Colossal Pressure‐Induced Lattice Expansion of Graphite Oxide in the Presence of Water

Expansion under compression: The unit-cell volume of graphite oxide pressurized in water media, continuously increases reaching a sharp maximum at ca. 1.3–1.5 GPa (see picture, squares). Expansion of the lattice to a maximum of about 28–30 % is because of gradual pressure-induced water insertion into the interlayer space of graphite oxide. The effect is reversible (triangles), resulting in a unique “breathing” of the structure upon pressure variation.