Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming an Al—C covalent bond between aluminum and a carbon material by applying an electric arc to a mixture of the aluminum and the carbon material under vacuum, heated and pressurized conditions. In order to enhance the reactivity of the carbon material, the method may include the step of introducing defects in the carbon material and thus functionalizing the carbon material by treating the carbon material with acid, a microwave, or plasma.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of encapsulating a carbon material within aluminum, the method including the steps of: (i) functionalizing a carbon material by introducing a defect therein; (ii) mixing the functionalized carbon material with aluminum; and (iii) ball milling the mixture under an inert gas atmosphere. In addition, the present invention discloses a method of fabricating an aluminum-carbon material composite, the method comprising the steps of: (i) functionalizing the carbon material by introducing a defect therein; (ii) mixing the functionalized carbon material with aluminum; and (iii) ball milling the mixture under an inert gas atmosphere, thereby encapsulating a carbon material within aluminum. Furthermore, the present invention discloses an aluminum-carbon material composite fabricated according to the method.