Comparative study of ternary graphite-potassium-metal (M = Tl, Hg, Au) intercalation compounds

Potassium-thallium, potassium-mercury, and potassium-gold alloys can be intercalated into graphite, leading to the formation of poly-layered ternary compounds. Different ways of synthesis are involved for the preparation of the corresponding Graphite Intercalation Compounds (GICs). The as-prepared bulk GICs are described in a comparative study, regarding their chemical formula, their formation mechanism, and their structural and superconducting properties. Analogies and differences are pointed out.