KOH electrochemical modification of fluorinated graphite and its reaction mechanism

The KOH electrochemical method and heating method were employed to modify fluorinated graphite to explore the modification mechanism. The chemical composition and microstructure of the products were characterized and analyzed before and after the reaction. As the electrochemical reaction time or heating temperature increased, the carbon-fluorine bond gradually underwent a nucleophilic reaction with KOH according to its activity, promoting the formation of F ions in the residual product and carbon-oxygen bonds in the corresponding oxidized fluorinated graphite (OFG). The electrochemical method with a bottom anode and the heating method are insufficient to allow the isolated carbon-fluorine bond to react, retaining partial carbon-fluorine bonds. When the anode is positioned on the top, electron transfer significantly accelerates the activation of the carbon-fluorine bond, which then reacts completely. According to theoretical simulation calculations, electronegative groups around the carbon-fluorine bond can effectively enhance its reactivity.