EGEB: Scientists turn coal into graphite in a microwave oven

[Hamartia Antidote]

EGEB: Scientists turn coal into graphite in a microwave oven

Scientists convert raw coal powder into graphite, used in li-ion batteries; expanding the US electricity grid could slash green energy costs.

electrek.co

Turning coal into graphite
Scientists have managed to successfully convert raw coal powder into nano-graphite, which is used in lithium-ion batteries, among other things, according to a study, “Converting raw coal powder into polycrystalline nano-graphite by metal-assisted microwave treatment,” published in the journal Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects.

Previous research has shown that microwaves can be used to reduce the moisture content of coal and remove sulphur and other minerals, but in this latest experiment, the only treatment required was to grind raw Wyoming’s Powder River Basin coal into powder, reports mining.com.

The coal powder was put on copper foil and sealed in glass containers with a gas mixture of argon and hydrogen, before being placed in a microwave oven.

Chris Masi, lead author of the paper, said:

By cutting the copper foil into a fork shape, sparks were induced by the microwave radiation, generating an extremely high temperature of more than 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit within a few seconds.

The study’s abstract states:

Specifically, four major factors are identified for successful conversion: (1) high temperature; (2) reducing environment; (3) catalyst; and (4) microwave radiation.

The high temperatures, copper foil, and gas then transformed the coal powder into polycrystalline graphite.

 

[TheSnakeEatingMarkhur]

EGEB: Scientists turn coal into graphite in a microwave oven

Scientists convert raw coal powder into graphite, used in li-ion batteries; expanding the US electricity grid could slash green energy costs.

electrek.co

Turning coal into graphite
Scientists have managed to successfully convert raw coal powder into nano-graphite, which is used in lithium-ion batteries, among other things, according to a study, “Converting raw coal powder into polycrystalline nano-graphite by metal-assisted microwave treatment,” published in the journal Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects.

Previous research has shown that microwaves can be used to reduce the moisture content of coal and remove sulphur and other minerals, but in this latest experiment, the only treatment required was to grind raw Wyoming’s Powder River Basin coal into powder, reports mining.com.

The coal powder was put on copper foil and sealed in glass containers with a gas mixture of argon and hydrogen, before being placed in a microwave oven.

Chris Masi, lead author of the paper, said:


The study’s abstract states:


The high temperatures, copper foil, and gas then transformed the coal powder into polycrystalline graphite.

Finally Pakistan can use its coal reserves for some good