US Patent:
20110091370, Apr 21, 2011
Inventors:
Wishvender K. Behl - Olney MD, US
Jeffrey A. Read - West Friendship MD, US
Assignee:
U.S. Government as represented by the Secretary of the Army - Adelphi MD
International Classification:
C01B 31/00
Abstract:
Carbon fluoride is synthesized by reactively or high intensity/energy milling at ambient room temperature carbon-containing material (such as graphite, carbon black, coke, or other carbon-based material) with an inorganic fluoride agent (such as cobalt trifluoride) other than fluorine gas. The following chemical reaction occurs: xC+CoF→CF+CoF, wherein x equals 1 to 4. The CF is separated from the CoFand the CoFby digesting the CF, CoFand the CoFin hot water of at least approximately 90 C. causing the CoFto dissolve; and then filtering the CoF. The CoFis unreacted and undergoes hydrolysis in the hot water to form Co(OH)or CoO.3HO, which is removed by washing with sulfuric acid. Alternatively, the CF is separated from the CoFand the CoFby digesting the CF, CoFand the CoFin heated sulfuric acid followed by filtration and washing with sulfuric acid and then with hot water. The synthesized carbon fluoride is used to form a cathode in electrochemical cells, such as lithium batteries.