Crystalline Graphite from an Organometallic Solution-Phase Reaction

We report a chemical method by which graphitic carbon is prepared at reaction temperatures as low as 110 °C from readily available molecular reagents. This process requires no forcing conditions such as high pressures, intense light, or electrical discharge but is a simple, catalytic organometallic reaction. The carbon forms in a variety of morphologies including graphene sheets and nanotubes. The mild reaction conditions are similar to those routinely employed in homogeneous catalysis; therefore, they will allow the subtle manipulation of reaction variables to give desired morphologies selectively.