The production of graphite petroleum coke (GPC) has a number of environmental and societal impacts. A major contributor is air pollution generated from the mining process. Some producers are using new technologies and renewable energy to mitigate these impacts.
Graphite Petroleum Coke (GPC) is a hard, solid, aromatic by-product from the refining of crude oil. It is a dark gray material with a metallic luster. Typically, it is used as an anode in aluminum production. However, it can also be repurposed for the production of graphene.
A variety of proprietary processes are used to produce this material. One method is called vacuum distillation. Another involves catalytic cracking. Both methods are used to create a high-boiling hydrocarbon fraction that is used as a precursor to the graphite product.
Although many companies are using natural graphite for battery materials, there are still some environmental issues. Natural graphite is a finite resource that has to be mined. As such, the environmental impacts of mining can be huge. Mining can lead to acid mine drainage. This can degrade the surrounding ecosystem and lead to increased health problems in local populations.
A more environmentally sustainable solution is to use a combination of natural and synthetic graphite. For example, some companies are blending synthetic graphite with natural graphite in order to reduce costs. There are even companies that are developing all-electric mining equipment. Using all-electric mining equipment will help to ensure that carbon emissions are low.
In addition to its role as an anode, petroleum coke can be utilized as a precursor to the production of graphene. This is done by heating the product to a finish temperature of 1,350degC. During this process, a two-step centrifuging process separates the finished product from the unreacted material. By annealing the product, the economic impact of slurry oil-derived coke streams can be improved.
Graphene is a sheet-like material made from carbon. It is a highly versatile material. Unlike graphite oxide, which is crystalline, graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms. Traditionally, it has been exfoliated from graphite. Graphene can be further modified by heat treatments, such as annealing.
Graphene produced from natural graphite has been investigated for its use in battery applications. Despite its versatility, it has been difficult to produce. Compared to synthetic graphite, the resulting product requires higher temperatures and the use of toxic chemicals. Nevertheless, natural graphite is a more sustainable option, as it requires less energy to produce.
One company, Urbix Resources LLC, is working to develop a more environmentally sustainable way to produce graphite. Founded in Arizona, it has developed a new method for producing battery-grade graphite. Rather than using hydrofluoric acid, Urbix is concentrating on building an environmentally responsible processing facility.
Urbix is working on a commercial line that can scale up production to up to 32,000 tonnes per year by 2024. They are also designing the first automated shipping container that will allow them to transform 10 tons of CO2 into carbon material.
English
Write a Message