graphite electrodes

[the guy]

in graphite electrodes are the layers of carbon and therefore the 'sea of electrons' inbetween arranged in straight lines all the way through the electrode?

and if so, is this the case in any piece of graphite?

[dr.syntax]

in graphite electrodes are the layers of carbon and therefore the 'sea of electrons' inbetween arranged in straight lines all the way through the electrode?

and if so, is this the case in any piece of graphite?

 

REPLY: Graphite is an elemental form of carbon. To see an illustration of graphite`s molecular structure of graphite go to: [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphite ].You have to scroll down a short ways to view the models . What is not shown in this diagram is the fact that these hexagonic rings have what is known as aromatic electron structure. A facinating topic in and of itself. ...Dr.Syntax

Edited October 18, 2009 by dr.syntax

[insane_alien]

i think he knows about the structure of graphite.

 

anyway, the electrons can only freely move around parallel to the plane of the crystal structure. if you have a single crystal it will conduct fine in two dimensions but in the third it will not conduct.

 

in an electrode there are millions(okay, several orders of magnitude more but you get the picture) of interlocking crystals and the aren't all aligned so you get conduction in any direction as there will always be a pathway.

[the guy]

would it be possible to allign them all, say, in a really strong magnetic field?

[insane_alien]

seeing as they aren't magnetic, no.

 

but you could just grow the one big crystal which would only conduct along the one plane. not really sure what the use would be though.

[dr.syntax]

i think he knows about the structure of graphite.

 

anyway, the electrons can only freely move around parallel to the plane of the crystal structure. if you have a single crystal it will conduct fine in two dimensions but in the third it will not conduct.

 

in an electrode there are millions(okay, several orders of magnitude more but you get the picture) of interlocking crystals and the aren't all aligned so you get conduction in any direction as there will always be a pathway.

 

 

REPLY: I do not appreciate your snide comments directed at me " I think he knows about the structure of graphite ".If he knows so much about it why is asking questions regarding it`s properties. Also, why make this reference to my posting at all ? I was trying to be helpful. Why this ridiculing directed at me. I am fed up with it. I`m through taking crap from any one. ...Dr.Syntax

[insane_alien]

well seeing as he reffered to the layered structure in his post its kind of obvious he was merely asking about the conduction properties of the structure and not how the carbons are arranged which is what you were talking about.