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Structure of Graphite

Abstract

IT has been commonly accepted that graphite is made up of layers in which carbon atoms form trigonal and π bonds with three neighbouring atoms, the bond lengths (1.421 Å) and bond angles (120°) being equal. The two-dimensional unit cell is hexagonal and the conventional unit cell is a 60° rhombus containing two atoms. Under these conditions three possible coordinate pairs can be assigned for the two atoms belonging to the two-dimensional unit cell:

If the layers are stacked in such a manner that any of the two pairs alternate, the sequence is termed A-B-A-B-A-…; if all three alternate, A-B-C-A-B-C-A-…1. It is commonly held that the A-B-A-… sequence is prevalent.

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ERGUN, S. Structure of Graphite. Nature Physical Science 241, 65–67 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1038/physci241065b0

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