Universiẗat, Diss., 2000--Konstanz.

Measuring with high precision the electrical resistance of highly ordered natural graphite samples from a Brazil mine, we have identified a transition at ∼350 K with ∼40 K transition width. The steplike change in temperature of the resistance, its magnetic irreversibility and time dependence after a field change, consistent with trapped flux and flux creep, and the partial magnetic flux expulsion obtained by magnetization measurements, suggest the existence of granular superconductivity below 350 K. The zero-field virgin state can only be reached again after zero field cooling the sample from above the transition. Paradoxically, the extraordinarily high transition temperature we found for this and several other graphite samples is the reason why this transition remained undetected so far. The existence of well ordered rhombohedral graphite phase in all measured samples has been proved by x-rays diffraction measurements, suggesting its interfaces with the Bernal phase as a possible origin for the high-temperature superconductivity, as theoretical studies predicted. The localization of the granular superconductivity at these two dimensional interfaces prevents the observation of a zero resistance state or of a full Meissner state.

The existence of superconductivity in graphite has been under discussion since the 1960s when it was found in intercalated graphitic compounds, such as C8K, C8Rb and C8Cs. However, it was only about 40 years ago when the existence of superconductivity in pure graphite came up. In this work we directly investigate the interfaces highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) has in its inner structure, since they play a major role in the electronic properties. The results obtained after studying the electrical transport provide clear evidence on granular superconductivity localized at the interfaces of graphite samples. Zero resistance states, strong current dependence and magnetic field effect on the superconducting phase support this statement. Additionally, an abrupt reduction in the measured voltage at temperatures from 3 to 175 K has been observed. However, the upper value of this transition temperature seems to not have been reached yet. A possible method to enhance it is to increase the carrier density of graphite samples. In order to preserve to quasi-two-dimensional structure of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, chemical doping has been dismissed in the frame of this work. We used an external electric field to move the Fermi level and, hence, try to trigger superconductivity in multi layer graphene samples. A drop on the resistance at around 17 K has been measured for a large enough electric field applied perpendicular to the graphene planes. This transition is strongly affected by magnetic field and only appeared at low temperatures. As a result of the studies included in this work, it appears clear that graphite has a superconducting phase located at certain interfaces with a very high transition temperature.

Zugl.: Magdeburg, Universiẗat, Diss., 2007.

Techn. Universiẗat, Diss., 2000--Berlin.

Techn. Hochsch., Diss., 2006--Aachen.

Die hier vorgelegte Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit der Aufklärung von Wasserstoffsorptionsphänomenen an Kohlenstoffmodifikationen, welche in der Literatur kontrovers diskutiert werden. Ziel war, die publizierten Ergebnisse nachzuvollziehen, die Phänomene zu erklären und Struktur-Eigenschafts-Beziehungen herzustellen. Dabei wurde zum Einen die Sorption von Wasserstoff an Graphit-Nano-Fasern und zum Andern die Sorption von Wasserstoff an alkalisalzdotiertem Graphit untersucht. Es konnte mit der vorliegenden Arbeit zweifelsfrei nachgewiesen werden, dass die zunächst publizierten Ergebnisse zur Wasserstoffspeicherung in Graphit-Nano-Fasern in keiner Weise realisierbar sind. Es wurde jedoch im Rahmen dieser Arbeit eine ungewöhnliche Sorptionscharakteristik der Graphit-Nano-Fasern gefunden. Des weiteren wurde im Rahmen dieser Arbeit festgestellt, dass die von Chen et. al. publizierten Ergebnisse zur Wasserstoffspeicherung an Lithium dotiertem Graphit zum großen Teil auf eine Reaktion mit Feuchtigkeit zurückzuführen sind. Jedoch konnte weiterhin eine deutliche Massenzunahme mit gereinigtem Wasserstoff nachgewiesen werden. Es ist anzunehmen, dass dieses Verhalten mit den insitu gefundenen neuen Phasen der Proben zusammen hängt.

Zugl.: Aachen, Techn. Hochsch., Diss., 2007.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Univ., 2001. / Härtill 5 uppsatser.

Universiẗat, Diss., 2000--Dortmund. / Dateiformat: PDF.