ABSTRACT
The state of the surface of a carbon is decisive for its interfacial properties. In consequence, it is important for many applications of carbon materials.Whereas the surface of diamond is more or less uniform, due to its isotropic structure, there is an inherent inhomogeneity in the surface of graphite crystals. It consists of basal planes and of prismatic faces. The honeycomb network of the graphene layers is interrupted in the prismatic faces, and the carbon atoms have free valences, so-called “dangling bonds” which can be used for the binding of foreign atoms. In the case of diamond, each crystal face cuts the regular network of carbon-carbon bonds.
