Graphitic Carbon

December 2014, Vol. 10, No. 6

In natural systems, graphitic carbons are widespread and exhibit an infinite range of structure, from amorphous-like compounds (e.g. soots, charcoal) to crystalline graphite through a myriad of turbostratic structures (e.g. coals, kerogens). A variety of structures and chemistries down to the nanometer scale control the physicochemical properties of graphitic carbons and determine their behavior and fate during geological processes. This issue of Elements presents recent advances in our understanding of the formation of graphitic carbons (graphitization, fluid deposition) and discusses their role as actors and/or tracers in cosmochemistry, geobiology, geochemistry, and petrology. In particular, graphitic carbons may carry an important biological legacy in rocks, they may be used for assessing the thermal history of rocks, and they buffer the chemical composition of fluids in equilibrium with rocks. The issue also presents an introduction to the new carbon nanomaterials (e.g. graphene, carbon nanotubes), which bear structural similarities to natural graphitic carbons, and to their technological applications.

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Order your copy of the December 2014 issue of Elements magazine today and discover graphitic carbon.