Anthracite coal is a very dense, hard fossil fuel. It contains more than 90% carbon. Bituminous coal has fewer sulfurs. The iron and steel industry prefers it because of its very low moisture. The global focus on climate change, greenhouse gas reduction and energy efficiency has resulted in a decrease in demand for anthracite. Due to this, producers of anthracite have started looking for alternative markets for the high-value products they produce. The development and use of premium carbon materials in supercapacitors (or ORR catalysts), batteries, and other applications offers a new market for activated charcoal derived from anthracite.
Activated charcoals are highly porosity materials that can be applied in many industries, such as the adsorption or harmful contaminants. These valuable carbon products can be made from a variety of raw materials, such as lignites and coals. Anthracites can be converted into specialized premium carbon products because of their high content of carbon and the unique properties that their polycyclic aromatic structures provide.
The conversion of anthracite in activated carbon is achieved by using both a physical and acid-leaching process. A typical anthracite sample is ground and sieved to remove large particles, and then 5 g of the raw material is stirred in 100 mL of a 1 M NaOH solution at 80 degC overnight. The solution is filtered, and then washed in deionized wate until it reaches a pH 7 level.
After the reaction, the anthracite has been washed. Then, it is analyzed with an elemental spectrometer (FlashSmartTM from Thermo Fisher Scientific of Waltham MA, USA). The proximate analysis focused on volatile matter and fixed carbon content. Elements such as carbon, hydrogen and oxygen were also measured.
Tests were conducted on the anthracites to determine their performance in Naion batteries. The behavior of hard and anthracite carbon was significantly different in these cells. Hard carbon had a higher coulombic performance than anthracite carbon. This discrepancy may be due to the presence lingering ash within the anthracite which inhibits carbon oxidation and promotes SEI formation.
The results of the experiments are consistent with the hypothesis that removing ash from anthracite enhances its performance in Na-ion batteries, especially when it is further treated to form nitrogen-doped porous carbons. The improved performance of activated charcoals made from anthracite may contribute to safer electric vehicles, faster charging and longer range. Researchers continue to research the potential of anthracite derived activated material in renewable energies applications. Companies are forming international partnerships and investing in research in order to take advantage of the promising benefits of this technology. It is important to adhere to environmental regulations and focus on sustainable practices. Anthracite manufacturers are also focusing on cost-cutting techniques to boost their manufacturing efficiency. These efforts are essential to ensure that anthracite derived activated coke will be available in future renewable energy applications.
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