The synthesis of sulfur-doped graphite nanostructures by direct electrochemical conversion of CO2 in CaCl2[sbnd]NaCl[sbnd]CaO[sbnd]Li2SO4

The electrochemical synthesis of sulfur-doped nanostructured graphite including graphene and carbon nano-tube via direct electrochemical conversion of CO₂ in CaCl₂NaClCaOLi₂SO₄ has been realized at a relative low temperature (675 °C). The results indicate that sulfur can successfully incorporate into carbon matrix and the graphitization degree can also be enhanced by introducing sulfur. In addition to SO₄²⁻, Li⁺ will also have positive effect on improving the graphitization of carbon deposition. Aggregated carbon particles are included in all samples while ultrathin graphite sheet, wire-like carbon, carbon nano-tube and interwoven carbon chains can be obtained in some cases at different electrolytic conditions. This work opens up a novel way to fabricate heteroatom-doped nanostructured carbons from carbon dioxide.