Time:2023.09.08Browse:1
Graphite can conduct electricity because carbon atoms have two 2P electrons with the same spin direction, which are in the valence band (also known as the π band) when in the ground state. When excited, it transitions to the empty conduction band (π * band) above, leaving an equal number of holes in the valence band. Electrons carry negative charges while holes carry positive charges. When subjected to an electric field, electrons and holes move in opposite directions, thus contributing to electrical conduction. Due to the close arrangement of carbon atoms in graphite crystals and the deep degree of electron co-occurrence on the 2P band of each carbon atom, the valence band is wider and can slightly overlap with the upper conduction band. The gap width between them can be reduced to 0.01eV. Therefore, as long as the electrons in the valence band are slightly excited, they can transition to the conduction band, leading to an increase in conductivity. Therefore, the resistance of carbon materials decreases with the increase of temperature and its graphitization degree. Resistance coefficient in the plane direction of general single crystal graphite ρ= 0.4 Ω. mm2/m, while the resistance coefficient in the plane direction of polycrystalline graphite material ρ≤ 10 Ω. mm2/m.
Although carbon graphite material is a non-metallic material, it is considered as an intermediate between covalent semiconductors and metals - a semi metal due to its good electrical conductivity. Graphite has better thermal and electrical conductivity than certain metals, as well as a much lower coefficient of linear expansion, high melting point, and chemical stability. This makes it of dual value in engineering applications, as it can be used as a metal under certain conditions and as a ceramic under other conditions.
Carbon graphite materials are widely used in electrical and metallurgical fields as electrical components and conductive electrodes, such as semiconductor components. When pure graphite is doped with elements of different atomic valences, a semiconductor can be formed, and the doped trivalent boron element is a P-type semiconductor; Doping pentavalent phosphorus or arsenic elements into P-type semiconductors. In the field of electrical engineering, there are also electronic components, motor brushes, electrical contacts, electrical discharge machining, and so on. In metallurgy, it can be used as an electric furnace electrode, a submerged arc furnace electrode, an anode and cathode for aluminum smelting, etc.