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Reaction products and rates were measured for the gas-phase reactions of selected first row transition metal ions (Ti+, V+, Fe+, Co+, Ni+, Cu+, Zn+) and both CO and CO2 using a flowing afterglow instrument. The formation and description of products formed and reaction mechanisms are presented and discussed as well. Ab initio calculations were used to produce potential-energy surface diagrams for selected reactions as a tool to further understand the reaction mechanisms, thermochemistry, and reaction kinetics. Reactions with CO are slow and typically yield complexes of the form M(CO)n+ (n = 1-2), with the second CO molecule appearing to be added faster than the first one. Reactions with CO2 also yield the formation of clusters; however, in the case of Ti+, the reaction produces the oxide TiO+ ion efficiently. An interesting observation was also the formation of metal doubly charged ions. Some dications were easily obtained as the major ion by changing the ionization conditions in the sputter ion source. We are proposing an ionization mechanism for the formation of the dications.

GUITAR (Graphene from the University of Idaho Thermolyzed Asphalt Reaction) has the classical basal and edge plane morphology of graphites and thin layer graphenes with similar X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman and IR characteristics. However previous investigations indicated GUITAR is different electrochemically from graphenes and classical graphites. GUITAR has faster heterogeneous electron transfer across its basal plane and an electrochemical window that exceeds graphitic materials by 1 V. These beneficial properties are examined for application in the negative electrode of the vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). Graphitic materials in this application suffer from hydrogen gassing and slow electron transfer kinetics for the V 2+/3+ redox couple. Cyclic voltammetry of the V 2+/3+ redox couple (0.05 M V 3+ in 1 M H 2 SO 4) on bare KFD graphite felt gives an estimated standard rate constant (k 0) of 8.2ˆ10´7 cm/s. The GUITAR-coated KFD graphite felt improves that quantity to 8.6ˆ10´6 cm/s. The total contribution of the cyclic voltammetric currents at´1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl to hydrogen evolution is 3% on GUITAR-coated KFD graphite felt. On bare KFD graphite felt, this is 22%. These results establish GUITAR as an excellent alternative material for the negative electrode in the vanadium redox flow battery.