Superstructure and boundary structure in stage 4 MoCl5–graphite intercalation compounds studied by atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy

Intercalated domains on stage 4 MoCl5–graphite intercalation compounds (MoCl5–GIC’s) were observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). On large intercalated domains, a superstructure was found, in relation with a modulation of the electronic properties of the first layer of carbon. From that, the structure of the chloride ions layer was discussed and a model including dimer molecules was proposed. At the boundaries between large intercalated and nonintercalated domains, corrugations were observed along certain crystallographic directions of graphite. Their morphology was studied in detail at atomic scale and formation mechanisms were proposed. Small intercalated domains were also observed. Their shapes were irregular but their boundaries were clear cut.