Abstract
This dissertation dedicated to identify a hypothesized new allotrope of carbon, Graphite from the University of Idaho Thermolyzed Asphalt Reaction (GUITAR) and discussed the potential electrochemical applications. It is presented in five chapters. Chapter one discusses physical characterizations on GUITAR in detail and how it compares to other carbon materials. Using XPS and elemental analysis, GUITAR has been placed in the hydrogenated amorphous carbon region. While with Raman and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis result indicated GUITAR is more graphitized. With both Raman and X-Ray Diffraction, the crystal size was determined to be 1.5 – 3.6 nm, which indicate GUITAR had a nanocrystalline structure. This chapter concluded that GUITAR is a nanocrystalline graphite with a relative high sp3 component. The following chapters are more focused on the electrochemical application of GUITAR and functionalized GUITAR. To be filled.