a mechanochemical oxidation process that allows relatively benign oxidizers to be used for the production of at least partially oxidized graphite , and a method of preparing a carbon fiber using oxidized graphite and a fiber component . partially oxidized graphite is fully dispersible in water and can be used to prepare thin films with conductivities rivaling pure graphite . this offers the potential for improved electronic displays , solar cells , and lithium ion batteries . a carbon nanotube and a method of making the same is also provided .