Dynamics and mechanism of the interaction of graphite powders with ozone

The kinetics of ozone sorption by powders of finely milled graphite at 20 °C, the behavior of unpaired electrons of the conjugated systems of the structure, and the IR spectra of the surface functional groups were studied. The surface hexagonal cells enter into the reaction. After 1/6 of the accessible cells was consumed, the reaction rate decreased appreciably, most likely, due to the induction effects of the functional groups formed. Considerable weight losses of the samples were observed during the reaction. The changes in the character of the ESR spectra indicate a decrease in the sizes of the conjugation ensembles. The reaction of ozone with the surface produces local sites of structure destruction, which decrease the reactivity of the adjacent surface regions and thus protect them from further destruction.