Uses of a carbon produced from a method for the material treatment of raw materials

Abstract

The invention relates to uses of an amorphous carbon which is produced from a method based on a carbonisation and distillation process for the material treatment of carbon-containing raw materials and which has a structure of a three-dimensional arrangement of carbon nanoparticles as agglomerates. The carbon is intended for medical use as a thermal and / or fireproof and / or radiation-resistant insulating material, as a filter element, as a storage element, or for the production of plant products or for planting in areas where water is scarce. The invention also relates to a storage device (40) that acts as an electrical energy store in the form of a double-layer capacitor having a symmetrical structure with, from the outside towards the inside, a housing (41) and a collector (42) having an electrode (43) in the form of a carbon layer and a separator (44) having an electrolyte. The carbon layer is formed from an amorphous carbon which is produced using the method for the material treatment of carbon-containing raw materials and which has the structure of the three-dimensional arrangement of carbon nanoparticles as agglomerates.

Description

[0001] Uses of carbon produced from a process for the material treatment of raw materials

[0002] The invention relates to uses of a carbon produced from a process based on a carbonization and distillation process for the material treatment of raw materials.

[0003] State-of-the-art devices and methods are intended for the industrial treatment of waste rubber products, rubber products, or rubber-like composite products, such as scrap tires, steel-cord-reinforced rubber belts, rubberized chain links, and conveyor belts, as well as shredded end-of-life vehicles, organic renewable raw materials such as wood, contaminated carbon, and contaminated soil. Light oil, gas, metals, especially steel, and carbon are recovered. Conventional plants, for example, rely on rotary kilns, fluidized-bed reactors, and drums, and process compacted feedstock in a chemically inert atmosphere with the exclusion of oxygen.

[0004] DE 199 30 071 C2 describes a process and apparatus for the recycling of organic materials and mixtures of materials. The organic material is brought into contact with fluidized bed material from the combustion fluidized bed. The process produces end products in the form of gases with condensable substances and carbonaceous residues. DE 39 32 803 A1 discloses a reaction process for converting organic materials into coal and graphite with the addition of boric acid / boron oxide and organic nitrogen compounds in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.

[0005] Operating conventional plants requires increased expenditures for materials, energy, and logistics. For example, creating a fluidized bed in fluidized-bed reactors requires increased energy consumption, as the fluidized bed must be created and maintained, and the materials to be recycled must be mechanically processed to ensure effective contact with the fluidized bed. High energy costs are also incurred by the comminution and compaction of the starting materials during preparation and recycling.

[0006] WO 2007 / 053088 A1 describes a method and apparatus for treating hydrocarbon materials. The materials are charged into an inner container, which in turn can be arranged in an outer container. Both containers are each sealed with a lid element. The hydrocarbon material is heated using microwaves or high-frequency radiation. The resulting exhaust gases are removed from the containers through a gas outlet. Two or more containers can be operated in parallel and connected to a gas purification system to maintain a virtually continuous gas flow through the gas purification system.

[0007] WO 2010 / 012275 A2 discloses a device for treating materials using a cylindrical furnace, as well as a process control system. The inner surfaces of the furnace are provided with an insulating layer made of an inorganic thermal insulation material. Heating elements are arranged on or at the inner surfaces of the insulating layers. Controlling the process by regulating the temperature of the heating elements ensures a high yield of carbon, oil, and fuel gas.

[0008] DE 10 2012 109 874 A1 describes a device for the material treatment of raw materials, comprising a heating system, a distillation unit, and a reaction unit capable of being fed with the raw materials, as well as a method for operating such a device. The heating system, which can be opened and closed for fitting the reaction unit, comprises a head element and a jacket element rigidly connected to the head element, as well as support elements. The head element is connected to the support elements, whose length can be adjusted vertically, in such a way that the heating system is opened and closed in the vertical direction of movement by changing the length of the support elements between two end positions.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a carbon produced by a process for the material treatment of raw materials, in particular various waste rubber products, such as scrap tires and rubber composite products or rubber-like composite products, renewable raw materials such as wood, shells or fruits, electronic waste such as computers and mobile phones, motor vehicles and storage media such as batteries, with advantageous material properties that differ from conventional carbons for various uses.

[0010] The solution to the problem of the invention consists in the use of carbon with a structure of a three-dimensional arrangement of carbon nanoparticles as agglomerates, which is produced by a process for the material treatment of carbon-containing raw materials. The carbon is amorphous, and the carbon nanoparticles are cross-linked without long-range order, exhibit no large-scale graphitic arrangement or structural similarity to graphene, and are not arranged as nanotubes. The process comprises the following steps:

[0011] - heating a reaction unit charged with raw materials and arranged in a closed heating system and starting a carbonisation and distillation process, whereby the carbonisation and distillation process takes place by targeted heating at an essentially constant temperature within the reaction unit,

[0012] - discharging gases produced from the reaction unit into a distillation unit through an exhaust gas line formed between the reaction unit and the distillation unit and determining the temperature of the gas flowing through the exhaust gas line,

[0013] - cooling and condensing the gases in the distillation unit, whereby the temperature of the gases is controlled by forced cooling of a cooling section of the distillation unit via a heat output dissipated by the gases, and

[0014] - Extraction of non-condensable gases, whereby a negative pressure is created within the reaction unit relative to the environment and oxygen is removed from the reaction unit.

[0015] According to the invention, the carbon is used for medical purposes, as a thermal and / or fire-resistant insulating material, as a filter element, as a storage element or for the production of plant products or for planting water-scarce areas.

[0016] The method is advantageously based on operating a device for the material treatment of raw materials. The device comprises a heating system, a distillation unit, a reaction unit, and a control device. The reaction unit can be charged with the raw materials. The heating system can be opened and closed for loading the reaction unit. An exhaust line for discharging the exhaust gases from the reaction unit is formed between the reaction unit or the heating system and the distillation unit. The distillation unit has a cooling section.

[0017] Temperature sensors are installed in the area of ​​the heating system and the distillation unit. Furthermore, the cooling section of the distillation unit has a forced cooling device. The forced cooling device of the cooling section enables a heat transfer fluid—particularly gaseous or liquid—to flow against or around the cooling section in a targeted manner to dissipate heat, in contrast to, for example, natural convection.

[0018] The device for the material treatment of raw materials has an extraction device for extracting gases from the reaction unit and generating a negative pressure within the reaction unit. The negative pressure refers to the pressure surrounding the device. The extraction device can be designed as a pump, in particular as a diaphragm pump.

[0019] The temperature sensors and the extraction device are connected to the control device.

[0020] The device preferably has at least two temperature sensors for determining the temperature within the reaction unit, which, in the closed state of the heating system, are arranged in an intermediate space formed between the reaction unit and a casing element of the heating system.

[0021] An exhaust line formed between the heating system and the distillation unit can have a heating device for heating the exhaust line. The heating device, which preferably completely encloses the exhaust line and is advantageously electrically operated, is connected to the control device. At least one temperature sensor for determining the temperature of exhaust gases discharged from the heating system is preferably provided on the exhaust line formed between the heating system and the distillation unit.

[0022] A connecting element for connecting to a device for introducing a gaseous purge medium, particularly into the reaction unit, can be provided on the exhaust line formed between the heating system and the distillation unit. The purge medium, for example, nitrogen, serves to inertize the reaction unit, reduces the risk of explosion, and, as a carrier gas, supports the separation of end products produced during operation of the device.

[0023] The cooling section of the distillation unit is advantageously arranged within an air guide housing. Fans are provided within a wall of the air guide housing to direct ambient air over the cooling section. The air guide housing, together with the fans, is designed as a device for forced cooling of the cooling section of the distillation unit with ambient air. The fans are connected to the control device.

[0024] The fans formed within the wall of the air guide housing of the cooling section of the distillation unit for the targeted guidance of ambient air over the cooling section are preferably arranged on an upper side, in particular on an end face pointing upwards in a vertical direction, or on a side surface of the air guide housing.

[0025] Alternatively, the cooling section can be configured from at least one double-walled coaxial tube as a device for forced cooling of the cooling section, for passing gases through the interior of an inner tube and for passing a heat transfer fluid through the space between the outside of the inner tube and the inside of the outer tube. The heat transfer fluid is preferably in the liquid state and is, in particular, water or glycol.

[0026] An advantage of the device for the material treatment of raw materials is that the extraction device for extracting gases from the reaction unit and generating a negative pressure within the reaction unit is arranged in the direction of gas flow after an oil tank located downstream of the distillation unit. This also creates a negative pressure within the distillation unit.

[0027] The heating system can comprise a head element and a casing element firmly connected to the head element, as well as support elements. The head element is mounted on support elements whose length can be adjusted vertically. By changing the length of the support elements between two end positions, the heating system is opened and closed in the vertical direction of movement.

[0028] The heating system preferably has two support elements, which are preferably arranged on either side of the heating system. According to a first alternative, the support elements are driven by electric spindles. According to a second alternative, the support elements are designed as hydraulic supports.

[0029] According to a further development of the device, the casing element is designed with a hollow cylindrical wall. The wall is vertically open downwards and closed at the top with a circular hood. The casing element is connected to the head element at the hood to form a single unit.

[0030] The casing element advantageously has heating elements evenly distributed around the circumference of the inner surface of the wall. The wall is provided with thermal insulation made of ceramic powder to prevent heat transfer to the outside environment. The hood can be provided with an exhaust outlet at the center point as a connection to an exhaust line of the heating system. The exhaust line extends from the exhaust outlet through the hood into the head element of the heating system.

[0031] The exhaust line advantageously has a connecting element at the distal end to the exhaust nozzle of the hood as a connection to the exhaust line of the distillation unit.

[0032] The exhaust pipe extending from the exhaust nozzle through the hood into the head element of the heating system can be designed in the area of ​​the exhaust nozzle with a pipe connection that is automatically adjustable in length, particularly in the vertical direction, to compensate for thermal expansion.

[0033] A further advantage of the device is that the reaction unit is designed with a wall in the shape of a hollow cylindrical vessel, which is sealed at the bottom. The open side of the wall can be closed by means of a lid element.

[0034] A high-temperature-resistant seal is advantageously arranged between the wall and the cover element.

[0035] The cover element of the reaction unit is preferably circular and has the exhaust outlet at its center. A particular advantage is that the exhaust outlet of the cover element and the exhaust outlet of the casing element interlock when the heating system is closed, forming a tight connection to the exhaust line.

[0036] The lid element of the reaction unit can be designed with a connecting piece for connecting to a device for admitting a gaseous purge medium, in particular nitrogen, into the reaction unit. The reaction unit can have sieve elements inside, which are preferably aligned horizontally and arranged at different heights, spaced apart from one another. The sieve elements preferably cover the entire cross-section of the reaction unit.

[0037] The control device of the device for the material treatment of raw materials serves to control a method for operating the device and, in addition to the temperature sensors, the device for forced cooling, in particular the conveying devices, such as the fans for the targeted conduction of ambient air over the cooling section or at least one pump for conveying the liquid heat transfer fluid, and the suction device, is advantageously also connected to a drive of the support elements, a fill level sensor of the oil tank, a pressure sensor, and valves of heating circuits of the heating system. The fill level sensor of the oil tank can be designed as a float. The pressure sensor is advantageously arranged in the region of the oil tank. The control device can also be connected to an oil conveying device for sucking the oil out of the oil tank, in particular a piston pump.A signal sent from the oil tank level sensor to the control device starts the oil pumping device and pumps oil from the oil tank.

[0038] The process for the material treatment of raw materials can be based on the operation of the described device for the material treatment of raw materials. The process comprises the following steps:

[0039] - Feeding a reaction unit with raw materials,

[0040] - Preheating of the reaction unit,

[0041] - opening a heating system and placing the reaction unit into the heating system, in particular onto a floor element of the heating system,

[0042] - closing the heating system so that the reaction unit is arranged in a closed space, - heating the reaction unit and starting a carbonisation and distillation process, wherein the carbonisation and distillation process is carried out by targeted heating at a substantially constant reaction temperature within the reaction unit, wherein the temperature is determined,

[0043] - discharging gases produced from the reaction unit into a distillation unit through an exhaust gas line formed between the reaction unit and the distillation unit and determining the temperature of the gas flowing through the exhaust gas line,

[0044] - Cooling and condensing the gases in the distillation unit, whereby the temperature of the gases is controlled by forced cooling of a cooling section of the distillation unit via a heat output dissipated by the gases,

[0045] - Introducing the distillation products into an oil tank and separating oil,

[0046] - Extraction of non-condensable gases from the oil tank, whereby a negative pressure is created within the reaction unit to the environment and oxygen is removed from the reaction unit,

[0047] - Opening the heating system and removing the reaction unit from the heating system,

[0048] - Cooling the reaction unit, removing the end products from the reaction unit and separating the end products and

[0049] - Removing the finished products from the oil tank.

[0050] Targeted heating means that the reaction unit located within the heating system is heated during the carbonization and distillation process such that the reaction temperature within the reaction unit, also referred to as the process temperature, remains essentially constant and only varies within a predefined temperature range. The reaction temperature is continuously monitored. The temperature value is transmitted to the control device, which controls the opening and closing of the valves of the heating circuits of the heating system, thus controlling the firing, according to a predefined temperature setpoint.

[0051] When closing the heating system, an exhaust port of the reaction unit is preferably coupled to an exhaust port of an exhaust line of the heating system, and the exhaust line of the heating system and an exhaust line of the distillation unit are coupled to one another at a connecting element, thus establishing a gas-tight connection between the reaction unit and the distillation unit. The heating system is advantageously opened and closed by extending and retracting support elements.

[0052] By extracting non-condensable gases from the oil tank and thus generating the negative pressure, the absolute value of the pressure within the reaction unit can be adjusted in the range of 2 mbar to 10 mbar, in particular of about 4 mbar.

[0053] To cool and condense the gases in the distillation unit, ambient air can be directed over the cooling section of the distillation unit or the cooling section can be flowed through by a liquid heat transfer fluid, in particular water as a coolant.

[0054] During the process of cooling and condensing the gases, the temperature of the gases in the distillation unit is advantageously adjusted to a value in the range of 95°C to 125°C, for example via a volume flow of ambient air, a fan output, or a mass flow of a heat transfer fluid. The volume flow of ambient air or the mass flow of the heat transfer fluid ensures the heat to be dissipated by the cooling section and cools the cooling section. The temperature of the gases is determined in the exhaust line formed between the heating system and the distillation unit, in particular by the at least one temperature sensor for determining the temperature of exhaust gases discharged from the heating system.An advantage of the method is that during the carbonization and distillation process, an exhaust gas line formed between the reaction unit and the distillation unit is heated, in particular to a temperature in the range of 120 °C to 160 °C, specifically to avoid premature condensation of the exhaust gas before entering the distillation unit and consequently clogging of the exhaust gas line.

[0055] The reaction unit is preferably removed from the heating system at a temperature of the gas flowing through the exhaust line of approximately 60 °C.

[0056] During the carbonization and distillation process or during the cooling process of the reaction unit, a gaseous flushing medium, in particular nitrogen, is preferably introduced into the reaction unit.

[0057] Purging is preferably carried out at time intervals, particularly to remove higher-molecular-weight gases from the reaction unit. Purging with an inert gas, such as nitrogen, removes undesirable components, such as polyaromatic constituents of polybutadiene or plasticizers, from the reaction unit, particularly during the carbonization and distillation processes. The extraction of non-condensable gases and thus the generation of the negative pressure within the reaction unit, as well as the inflow of the purging medium into the reaction unit, are advantageously carried out at staggered times. Especially during the cooling process of the reaction unit, the purging medium can be introduced into the reaction unit periodically for a duration of two to three minutes.

[0058] After cooling the reaction unit, the reaction unit is opened to remove the end products, preferably at a temperature inside the reaction unit in the range of 20 °C to 60 °C, in particular in the range of 30 °C to 60 °C. During the process of removing the end products from the reaction unit, the reaction unit is advantageously pressurized with the gaseous flushing medium, especially nitrogen.

[0059] During the process of removing the end products from the reaction unit, carbon can be extracted as an end product.

[0060] According to a further development of the process, extracted non-condensable gases are fed to the heating system for combustion within the heating system and thus to heat the reaction unit and / or to a combined heat and power plant for generating thermal energy and electrical energy.

[0061] The process is preferably operated modularly with at least four reaction units simultaneously and the following steps:

[0062] - feeding a first reaction unit while a second reaction unit, which is already fed, is preheated,

[0063] - feeding a third, charged and preheated reaction unit to the heating system and heating the reaction unit to carry out the carbonisation and distillation process and

[0064] - Cooling and emptying a fourth reaction unit in which the carbonization and distillation process is completed.

[0065] The reaction unit can be loaded with raw materials weighing between 2.5 t and 3 t and advantageously remains in the heating system for a period of approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The reaction temperature within the reaction unit is preferably between 350 °C and 800 °C, in particular 550 °C.

[0066] The energy consumption for one process run with a reaction unit, particularly one equipped with scrap tires, amounts to 60 kWh to 80 kWh. With twelve reaction units and nine runs per day, this results in a daily energy requirement of 6,480 kWh to 8,640 kWh. With an average of 223 production days per year, the annual energy requirement is therefore between 1,445 MWh and 1,927 MWh. In contrast, the energy generated for electricity and heat amounts to approximately 10.5 MWh per year.

[0067] The process is based on a carbonization-distillation process, so that the device for the material treatment of raw materials is a carbonization-distillation industrial module, also known as a VDI module.

[0068] To ensure effective implementation of the process, the device was designed with modules to optimize or maximize throughput and adapt to current needs.

[0069] Further advantages of the device and the method compared to the state of the art can be summarized as follows:

[0070] • no pre-sorting of raw materials,

[0071] • Treatment of starting products, in particular

[0072] - waste rubber products, such as old tires, rubberized chain links, steel-cord reinforced rubber belts and conveyor belts, where the products can be treated in their essentially original form in order to preserve their structure, i.e., for example, they cannot be crushed or shredded, and thus cannot be crushed or compacted,

[0073] - organic and renewable raw materials, for example wood in all forms, especially beech and oak, bamboo as well as shells and fruits, such as coconut shells and orange peels,

[0074] - animal waste, such as bones and carcasses,

[0075] - contaminated carbon,

[0076] - contaminated soil or other materials, for example after oil spills, - essentially uncrushed or un-dismantled and thus complete end-of-life vehicles and

[0077] - Carbon composite materials, especially with carbon fibers, especially from the automotive industry,

[0078] • ecological, economical and carbon dioxide-free and therefore sustainable technology with very low energy consumption.

[0079] The various process parameters, such as the temperatures and duration of the process as well as the flushing with gaseous flushing medium, and the associated performance of individual components, such as the heating system, the conveying devices, the device for forced cooling of the distillation unit, such as the fans or the at least one pump, and the suction device, depend on the raw materials to be treated within the reaction unit. Thus, the processes or devices with the corresponding control programs stored in the control device can be defined as follows: a) Device and method for the material treatment of tires, b) Device and method for the material treatment of rubberized chain links, c) Device and method for the material treatment of conveyor belts, d) Device and method for the material treatment of

[0080] Complete vehicles or shredded vehicles of the automotive industry, e) Device and method for the material treatment of renewable raw materials, such as wood and bamboo, as well as biowaste, such as coconut shells and orange peels, f) Device and method for the material treatment of animal waste, g) Device and method for the material treatment of bitumen or asphalt, h) Device and method for the material treatment of

[0081] Energy storage, especially batteries, especially from the

[0082] Automotive industry, i) Device and method for the material treatment of

[0083] Electronic components such as computers, mobile phones, laptops and smartphones, and j) devices and methods for the material treatment of contaminated carbon and soil contaminated with pollutants to reactivate the carbon.

[0084] Depending on the raw materials to be treated, the raw materials must be mixed advantageously in certain ratios within the reaction unit, for example tires and batteries, in order to influence process parameters or end products.

[0085] The recovered raw materials are listed in mg / kg in the following table. The third and fourth columns list the raw materials obtained using the device and process according to h), the fifth column lists the raw materials obtained using the device and process according to i), the sixth and seventh columns list the raw materials obtained using the device and process according to d), and the eighth column lists the raw materials obtained using the device and process according to a).

[0086]

[0087] 1 Ground to particle size <0.1 mm - results of head space GC-MS screening and thermogravimetry results2 TGA graph, GC-MS screening results

[0088] Trace elements using ICP OES according to HN03 / HF acid digestion - SOP 671 (679) In the process according to h), the raw materials of which are listed in the fourth column of the table, battery blocks, also known as energy blocks, from the automotive industry with a mass of 500 kg and scrap tires with a mass of approximately 500 kg were used as starting material. Before the process, the steel casings including screws with a mass of approximately 60 kg were removed from the battery blocks and the remaining 440 kg of starting material was layered on a separate sieve to prevent the battery blocks from mixing with the scrap tires within the reaction unit. The residues of the processed battery blocks removed from the reaction unit at the end of the process had a mass of 220.9 kg and were shredded to a uniform size in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm for further analysis.The analytical data listed in the table shows that all inorganic or metallic components of the battery blocks are detected with a recovery rate of over 98.5%. The metals and inorganic components, such as cobalt, nickel, magnesium, copper, niobium, and lithium, can be recovered through proven metal refining processes.

[0089] In the process according to i), whose raw materials are listed in the fifth column of the table, the starting materials used were electronic waste, such as televisions, drills, and cables, with a mass of 500 kg, electronic waste, such as computers in the form of laptops and mobile phones, with a mass of 15 kg, and scrap tires with a mass of approximately 500 kg. The computers and mobile phones were placed separately in a metal box in the reaction unit to avoid mixing with the other starting materials. The residues of the processed computers and mobile phones, removed from the metal box at the end of the process, had a fixed mass of 7.7 kg and were shredded to a uniform size in the range of 0.1 mm for further analysis.Optical emission analysis revealed a high recovery rate for metals such as cobalt, chromium, lithium, nickel, cadmium, tantalum, gallium, germanium, manganese, rhenium, strontium, and zirconium, which can be recovered through proven metal refining processes. A recovery rate or utilization rate of 98% was observed.

[0090] In the process according to d), whose raw materials are listed in the sixth column of the table, a complete Smart vehicle with a mass of 750 kg was used as the starting material for the process. Before the process, only the liquids, such as the coolant and brake fluid, the engine oil and gasoline, as well as the battery, were removed. The solid residues of the processed complete vehicle, removed from the reaction unit after the end of the process, had a mass of 450 kg. This mass was composed of 30% carbon and 70% metals, such as steel, spring steel, and precious metals. In addition, approximately 250 kg to 270 kg of light oil were recovered. The proportion of residual gas was approximately 6% to 8%. This results in a recovery rate or utilization rate of 95%.

[0091] For samples of rapeseed - unmilled or milled - carbon contents between 98.8% and 99.8% are determined using the method according to DIN / EN 12879, while for samples of rapeseed pellets turned into soot, carbon contents in the range of 79.7% to 81.0% are determined using the same method, for samples of plastic bottles a carbon content of 99.1%, for samples of oak wood a carbon content of 98.5%, for samples from industrial waste a carbon content of 99.4% and for samples from rubber waste a carbon content of 99.4%. For samples of rapeseed pellets turned into oil, a carbon content of 99.5% is determined.

[0092] The carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen content is determined according to ASTM D5291, and the oxygen content is determined using a method based on ASTM D5622, each using the VARIO EL Cube from Elementar. The fluorine and chlorine content are determined using pyrolysis ion chromatography with the Analytik Jena combustion module, the 920 absorption module, and the 930 Compact IC Flex ion chromatograph, respectively.

[0093] Evaporable components up to 200 °C are determined by head space GC-MS screening with Trace GC Ultra in conjunction with a DSQ II mass spectrometer from Thermo Scientific.

[0094] Hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid are determined by microwave digestion for ICP OES with oven model StarT from MWS Gmbh, while trace elements, especially inorganic components, are determined by ICP OES with ICP OES Arcos from Spectro.

[0095] Thermogravimetric analyses are performed using Hi-Res TGA 2950 from TA Instruments.

[0096] Further key advantages include the fact that steel-rubber composites, which previously required high energy expenditure to separate, can now be separated without significant external energy consumption. The resulting products can be recycled for high-quality use in the spirit of an efficient circular economy, which contributes to conserving resources. Furthermore, novel uses for the materials obtained through the process are opened up, with the resulting products based on different percentage distributions, which in turn are based on the different raw materials used. The resulting products include:

[0097] • light oil, for example with a density of about 927 kg / m 3 at 15 °C, a viscosity of 4.74 mm 2 / s and a flash point below 21 °C,

[0098] • Gas,

[0099] • Metals, mainly steel or iron and titanium, as well as

[0100] • Amorphous, inorganic carbon or

[0101] Carbon agglomerates. The amorphous, inorganic carbon produced using the process for the material treatment of carbon-containing raw materials has, according to its design, a structure consisting of a three-dimensional arrangement of carbon nanoparticles as agglomerates and, depending on the starting raw materials, advantageously has a purity in the range of 95% to 99.9%. The carbon nanoparticles are cross-linked without long-range order, do not exhibit a large-scale graphitic arrangement, and are not arranged as nanotubes.

[0102] The carbon, formed with a structure of three-dimensionally arranged nanoparticles, is produced industrially using the device or process for the material treatment of raw materials and thus offers a significant economic advantage over state-of-the-art carbons obtained or produced in the laboratory. The purity of the carbon is significantly influenced by purging with a gaseous purge medium, particularly during the carbonization and distillation processes, or during the cooling of the reaction unit.

[0103] Depending on the raw materials, the carbon produced in the process for the material treatment of raw materials preferably has a BET surface area determined using the method according to DIN ISO 9277 greater than

[0104] 2,500 m 2 / g BET, especially up to 9,500 m 2 / g BET, especially greater than

[0105] 3,500 m 2 / g BET or greater than 4,000 m 2 / g BET, especially in the range of 4,200 m 2 / g BET up to 4,500 m 2 / g BET, and thus a very high adsorption capacity without releasing substances into the environment. This means that the environment is not polluted, for example, through leaching.

[0106] The carbon produced by the process preferably has a density of about 66 kg / m 3 and can advantageously be designed with a higher tensile strength than alloyed steel. The carbon obtained in this way can have an electrical conductivity in the range of 4.5-10 7 sqm up to 5.8- 10 7 Qm. Electrical conductivity is determined using the method according to DIN EN ISO 15091.

[0107] The carbon produced in the process according to the invention for operating the device for the material treatment of raw materials is insoluble in concentrated or dilute cold acids, such as sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid, and is not attacked by alkalis. Nitric acid spontaneously decomposes into water and nitrous gases, which may indicate a catalytic effect. Neither polar organic solvents nor nonpolar solvents can dissolve the carbon.

[0108] The amorphous carbon produced by the process can be used, for example, in the food industry and in medicine, in decalcification systems, for diamond production, as a filler for rubber in rubber and tire production, in aircraft construction, in the construction industry and for the production of storage systems for electrical energy, such as accumulators or batteries or capacitors.

[0109] Since the amorphous carbon produced and, if necessary, purified using this process does not exhibit any acute, immediate cell toxicity, the carbon can be used in medicine. When cardiomyocytes are incubated with the carbon, the cardiomyocytes are not adversely affected, and their contractility is maintained.

[0110] Carbon can be used for hemoperfusion / adsorption and thus for blood purification, also known as dialysis. This involves the removal or reduction of harmful plasma components that arise either as a result of pathological changes, excessive absorption into the body, or insufficient elimination due to kidney or liver failure. The blood to be purified is passed through a cartridge filled with carbon. The cartridge is shaped to allow the largest possible surface area for the carbon to come into contact with the blood. The cartridge outlet is equipped with a double-sealed filter membrane so that no carbon particles can pass through the outlet and the carbon remains safely contained within the cartridge.The filter membrane is configured to allow the passage of cellular components of the blood, such as red blood cells with a size of approximately 7.5 μm, platelets with a size range of 1 μm to 4 μm, white blood cells with a size range of 7 μm to 20 μm, and essential plasma components, such as albumin with a size of 40,000 to 50,000 μm. According to an alternative embodiment, the carbon is securely fixed to a surface by a bonding process. Carbon-coated elements are arranged within the cartridge, through which the blood flows.

[0111] The carbon can also be used for topical application on the skin, particularly for wound healing, especially for the treatment of wounds and wound surfaces. The carbon can be fixed to synthetic surfaces, such as plaster materials.

[0112] In addition, the carbon is suitable for oral administration as an antidote, as a carrier molecule for antibiotics, for coating to improve lubricity, and for implant coatings.

[0113] Carbon can be applied in cases of poisoning, particularly for primary and secondary poison removal in cases of poisoning with acids or alkalis, cyanides, alcohols such as ethanol, methanol, and glycols, organic solvents such as acetone and dimethyl sulfoxide, inorganic salts, or metals such as lithium, iron, or other heavy metals such as lead or mercury. The carbon can be administered in the form of tablets, powder, or granules. The carbon can be taken suspended in a liquid. The adsorption capacity of carbon for fats and other substances could, for example, also relieve the liver of some of its detoxification function and the pancreas of some of its secretory function.

[0114] As mentioned above, the amorphous carbon produced by the process can also be used as a storage element, in particular as a component of an electrical energy storage device, such as a battery or capacitor, or as a component of a data storage device. The storage element can then be used, for example, in a motor vehicle, in avionics, or in satellite electronics.

[0115] So-called supercapacitors, or supercapacitors for short, are electrochemical capacitors, an electrical storage device or an electrical energy storage device that combines a capacitor with a chemical battery. As is well known, a capacitor stores electromagnetic energy between two surfaces. The large BET surface area, the mass-related specific surface area of ​​carbon, with the structure of the three-dimensional arrangement of carbon nanoparticles, enables high energy density in minimal space.

[0116] The chemical enhancement to a supercapacitor increases energy capacity and achieves greater stability. Stability refers to the automatic self-discharge of the energy storage device, which is prevented by high stability.

[0117] According to the invention, a storage device is designed as an electrical energy storage device in the form of a double-layer capacitor with a symmetrical structure, comprising, from the outside to the inside, a housing and a collector with an electrode formed as a carbon layer, and a separator with an electrolyte. The carbon layer is formed from carbon produced using the process for the material treatment of raw materials, with the structure of a three-dimensional arrangement of carbon nanoparticles.

[0118] The carbon can be used as a filter for water treatment or for gas purification in exhaust air systems. These filters can be used to advantageously convert salt water into fresh water and to filter out oil, gasoline, acid, or even iodine from water. For example, to desalinate salt water, the carbon is mixed with cellulose—the filter is then shaped like a bag, specifically a filter bag.

[0119] A test of a mixture of two liters of tap water and 500 ml of betadine, i.e., iodine mixed with 500 mg of carbon, shows a value of less than 0.1 mg / liter (iodine). The same result was also obtained when the mixture was retested three months later. The tests, based on a photometric analysis of iodine, show that the carbon added to the mixture binds the iodine and does not release it again.

[0120] Adding carbon to water also improves water quality in terms of oxygen content – ​​it promotes oxygen exchange, for example, when used in an aquarium. Another advantage is that, for example, coli bacteria only become active at elevated water temperatures of approximately 36°C to 38°C and above. At temperatures below the specified range, however, no coli bacteria are formed.

[0121] For example, a water filter system has a filter element consisting of 40 kg of carbon divided into four units. The water filter system is used to purify a volume of approximately 4 million liters of water, for example, a pool in a swimming pool or a lake. The amorphous carbon produced using this process can also be used as a filter element to purify air in air conditioning systems, for example, in buildings such as hospitals, residential buildings, factories, warehouses, or similar, and in mobile units such as vehicles or aircraft. Furthermore, the carbon can be used as an air filter element in respiratory masks or an exhaust device, for example, in a motor vehicle.

[0122] Due to its properties, carbon is suitable for oil spill mitigation. The carbon floats on the water's surface and binds oil that may be present in the water, such as in marine accidents. Water contamination can be combated or prevented. A filter material made of 1 kg of carbon absorbs approximately 3.33 liters of oil. Therefore, if 1 liter of oil contaminates approximately 1 million liters of water, a filter material made of 3 kg of carbon can absorb 10 liters of oil, thus purifying 10 million liters of water.

[0123] The carbon can also be used to clean up soils contaminated with mineral oil, i.e., in cases of soil contamination, or in other oil spills or contaminated substances. The carbon exhibits excellent leaching properties and thus prevents the dissolution of already adsorbed substances, especially in water. This prevents soil and groundwater contamination through possible leaching of pollutants from the carbon.

[0124] Carbon is also advantageously used for firefighting on land and in water, especially for extinguishing oil burns. Thus, carbon can be used as an extinguishing agent, where oxygen is removed from the fire by covering it with a sufficient amount of carbon, thus smothering the flames. At the same time, the carbon binds the oil. The amorphous carbon produced by this process can also be used to extinguish forest fires, inhibits the spread of harmful fungi from wood ash, and filters out released toxins such as lead, mercury, sulfur, and dioxin.

[0125] Another application of carbon is fire protection and thermal insulation up to at least 3,500 °C. Thermal insulation also includes insulation at very low temperatures, i.e., cold insulation. Studies using plasma jets for thermal excitation and liquid nitrogen show that base materials coated with carbon not only withstand temperatures ranging from 2,000 °C to 12,000 °C, but also down to -196 °C, but also provide thermal insulation.

[0126] Coating a wide variety of materials, such as glass, wood, metals, plastics, or other building materials such as plaster, clay, concrete, or similar, or even paper or cardboard, with carbon, for example, increases fire resistance combined with thermal insulation. The carbon layer can have a thickness ranging from 2 μm to 10 μm, particularly in the range of 2 μm to 6 μm.

[0127] Carbon can also be mixed with materials. For example, a mixture of cement and carbon in a volume ratio of 2:1 to 5:1 has very good properties in terms of thermal resistance and thermal insulation. For example, a lightweight carbon-cement board with a carbon to cement ratio of 3:1 and a thickness of 10 mm is heat-resistant up to temperatures of around 2,000°C. The board is heated on a first side with a propane gas flame to a temperature of between 1,500°C and 2,500°C without any noticeable heat being generated on the second side opposite the first side, which is what is understood as thermal insulation. Depending on the carrier material, a mixture of the material with carbon with a carbon content of 20% can be heat-resistant up to temperatures of at least around 2,500°C.

[0128] In addition to cement or concrete, gypsum and clay, paints and varnishes as well as sawdust can also be used as mixing components with the carbon.

[0129] In addition, the radiation-repellent carbon can be used in systems and devices requiring radiation protection or for radiation shielding. Its advantageous properties, such as radiation resistance and fire resistance, lead to its use, for example, in the construction of enclosures for nuclear reactors or to prevent the penetration or penetration of X-rays.

[0130] Another application for carbon, as a very good water and nutrient reservoir, is the provision of water retention layers. This leads to water savings of 60% to 80% in cultivated areas, for example, for food production, particularly for internal irrigation.

[0131] By using carbon, for example, beneath sand layers, water and plant nutrients can be stored, and barren, poor-quality soils can be used as a habitat for vegetables and other agricultural products. This application is therefore highly advantageous for the reclamation of desert areas, horticulture, and agriculture. Furthermore, the carbon is known to release no substances into the water, thus preventing contamination of the soil and groundwater through the leaching of pollutants.

[0132] The amorphous carbon produced by the process can therefore be used in the field of plant production, agriculture and environmental management in landscaping to promote the water retention capacity of the soil by enriching the uppermost soil layers with carbon.

[0133] Improving water storage ensures optimal water supply to plants, thus bringing about an earlier and increased yield quality and quantity. Since water is prevented from seeping into deeper layers and kept near the plant roots, prolonged dry periods can be bridged. The described effect, which also serves to green deserts, steppes, and savannas, can be achieved in particular by the large-scale introduction of one or more layers of carbon into light soils at a depth of approximately 20 cm to 30 cm.

[0134] The carbon layer, which influences the pH value, improves soil aeration by releasing bound oxygen and nitrogen, promotes the enrichment of microorganisms, and optimizes their living conditions. Furthermore, the carbon layer improves the supply of minerals, trace elements, and micronutrients to the soil and plants, and promotes the acceleration of the ripening process and the flavor of the fruit without toxic effects. The carbon layer supports the regulation of temperature conditions in the soil and improves the buffering properties of the soil.

[0135] Furthermore, the carbon can be used as a sustainable, natural stalk stabilizer in grain production. The carbon takes over the function of legumes without actually having to cultivate them in the crop rotation.

[0136] The recovered light oil is used, for example, in the chemical industry, particularly as a raw material for basic chemicals, and in the pharmaceutical industry to generate thermal and electrical energy, for example, using a combined heat and power plant. The gas can be used to generate thermal and electrical energy, for example, using a gas turbine and generator, or for recycling and use in the process. The recovered metals, such as steel, can be returned to the steel industry – very low process temperatures allow metals to retain their physical and chemical properties.

[0137] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0138] Figure 1 : Carbonization-distillation industrial module as a device for the material treatment of raw materials in the opened state in front view,

[0139] Figure 2a: Carbonization-distillation industrial module as a device for the material treatment of raw materials in a closed state in side view and

[0140] Figure 2b: front view,

[0141] Figure 3: Sectional view of the heating system in open state,

[0142] Figure 4: Sectional view of the heating system in closed state,

[0143] Figure 5: Base element of the heating system,

[0144] Figure 6: Distillation unit,

[0145] Figure 7: Oil tank and

[0146] Figure 8a: Reaction unit in closed state and

[0147] Figure 8b: Sectional view of the reaction unit in closed state,

[0148] Figures 9a to 9n: microscopic images of carbon produced by the device for the material treatment of raw materials and

[0149] Figures 9p and 9q: Results of Raman spectroscopy of carbon and Figure 10: an electrical energy storage device in the form of a supercapacitor in layered construction.

[0150] Figures 1, 2a, and 2b depict a carbonization-distillation industrial module as a device 1 for the material treatment of raw materials. Figure 1 shows the device 1 in the open state in a front view, while Figure 2b shows the device 1 in the closed state in a front view, and Figure 2a shows it in a side view.

[0151] The device 1 comprises a heating system 2 and a distillation unit 3. The reaction unit 4, which is charged with raw materials, is preheated to a specific temperature in a preheating device (not shown) and then further heated in the heating system 2. The reaction unit 4 can be charged with a mixture of different raw materials, so pre-sorting of the products is not necessary. After preheating, the reaction unit 4 is transferred into the open heating system 2 and positioned on the base element 5 of the heating system 2.

[0152] The head element 7 and the casing element 8 of the heating system 2, which is firmly connected to the head element 7, are movably mounted in the direction of movement B by means of support elements 6 arranged on both sides of the heating system 2. The support elements 6 are spaced approximately 2.9 m apart. The casing element 8 has an outer diameter of approximately 2.5 m.

[0153] In the first end position according to Figure 1, the support elements 6 are extended. The device 1 has a height of approximately 6.70 m. The head element 7 and the casing element 8 provide space for equipping the heating system 2 with the reaction unit 4. The heating system 2 is open. The reaction unit 4 can be inserted into the heating system 2 or removed from the heating system 2. The movement of the reaction unit 4 can advantageously take place by means of a rail system (not shown) on which the reaction unit 4 rests. In the second end position according to Figures 2a, 2b, the support elements 6 are retracted. The device 1 has a height of approximately 3.70 m.

[0154] The casing element 8 sits on the base element 5 such that the reaction unit 4 is positioned in an enclosed space. The heating system 2 is closed. The reaction unit 4 is surrounded at the bottom by the base element 5 and at the sides and top by the casing element 8.

[0155] The device 1 has temperature sensors T1, T2, T3 in the area of ​​the heating system 2 and the distillation unit 3 for determining specific process temperatures. At least two temperature sensors T2, T3 are arranged in a gap formed between the reaction unit 4 and the casing element 8 when the heating system 2 is closed. The temperature sensors T2, T3 are positioned, for example, projecting approximately 1 cm from the inside of the casing element 8 into the approximately 8 cm wide gap. The temperature sensors T2, T3 are arranged spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction in order to determine local temperature values ​​or an average temperature within the gap. The temperature values ​​determined by the temperature sensors T2, T3 are used to determine the temperature within the reaction unit 4.

[0156] The heating system 2 has a housing 9 in the lower area. The housing 9, which encloses the base element 5 and the side surfaces of the casing element 8 when the heating system 2 is closed, is opened to equip the heating system 2.

[0157] The gases produced during the carbonization process are removed from the heating system 2 through the provided exhaust line 11 and cooled by the process. The gases are conducted to the distillation unit 3 through the exhaust nozzle 10a formed at the uppermost point of the reaction unit 4 and the exhaust line 11 arranged in the head element 7. The gases then flow through the cooling section 12 of the distillation unit 3. The cooling section 12 is formed from tubes as shown in Figures 1, 2a, and 2b. The tubes, which are inclined to the horizontal, are provided with fins to increase the heat transfer surface and thus improve heat transfer. The heat is transferred from the gases to the ambient air.

[0158] To further increase the heat transfer from the gases to be cooled to the ambient air, and specifically to improve temperature control of the gases flowing through the cooling section 12 of the distillation unit 3, the cooling section 12 is surrounded by an air guide housing 12-1. Fans 12-2 are arranged on the upper side, in particular on the vertically upward-facing end face of the air guide housing 12-1, which fans draw the ambient air evenly through the air guide housing 12-1 as cooling air. Alternatively, the fans can also be arranged on a side surface of the air guide housing 12-1. In this case, the ambient air is directed in a targeted manner over the cooling section 12. A further temperature sensor T1 is arranged on the exhaust gas line 11 formed between the heating system 2 and the distillation unit 3 in order to determine the temperature of the exhaust gases discharged from the heating system 2.

[0159] According to an alternative embodiment, the gases within the cooling section can also be cooled with a heat transfer fluid other than air, for example, water. Instead of tubes with fins formed on the outer surface, the cooling section is constructed from coaxial tubes. The gases flow inside the inner tube, while the preferably liquid heat transfer fluid is passed through the space between the outside of the inner tube and the inside of the outer tube. The cooling section 12 is constructed with two parallel tubes. The gases are divided into two partial mass flows before entering the cooling section 12 and are mixed again after flowing through the cooling section 12.

[0160] The distillation products are then fed into an oil tank 13. The oil obtained from the carbonization process and the subsequent distillation, which corresponds to a light oil in its consistency and composition and is very similar to the intermediate products of crude oil processing, settles in the oil tank 13. The non-condensable portion of the gas is discharged from the oil tank 13. With a capacity of approximately 1,000 liters, the oil tank 13 also serves as an expansion vessel for the device 1.

[0161] Arranged on the oil tank 13 is a suction device 14-1, in particular a pump, specifically a diaphragm pump, for sucking the gases over the surface of the oil accumulating within the oil tank 13, and an oil conveying device 14-2, in particular a pump, specifically a piston pump, for sucking the oil out of the oil tank 13. By sucking out the gases, a negative pressure is generated within the cooling section 12 of the distillation unit 3, the exhaust line 11, and specifically within the reaction unit 4. The suction device 14-1 also specifically sucks out the air, and thus the oxygen as a component of the air, from the reaction unit 4. A vacuum can thus be generated within the reaction unit 4.

[0162] The gases extracted from the surface of the oil accumulating within the oil tank 13 can be used to generate thermal energy and electrical energy directly with a combined heat and power plant, referred to as CHP for short.

[0163] The device 1 is also provided with a control device 15 for controlling the

[0164] Method for operating the device 1. The control device 15 is used to determine and display, for example, the fill level within the oil tank 13, the flow of oil or gas, and a possible defect in a line of the device 1. The control device 15 is connected to corresponding sensors. The temperature sensors T1, T2, T3 are also coupled to the control device 15. The values ​​determined by the temperature sensors T1, T2, T3 are used to control the device 1, in particular the heating system 2 and thus the heating of the reaction unit 4 as well as the fans 12-2 of the cooling section 12 and the extraction device 14-1. The control device 15 can be used to display, among other things, the status of various heating circuits of the heating system 2 as well as process temperatures. Likewise, the arrangement of the jacket element 8 of the heating system 2 in the open, closed, and partially open states can be determined and displayed.The control device 15 therefore also serves to extend and retract the support elements 6 for opening and closing the heating system 2.

[0165] Figures 3 and 4 each show a sectional view of the heating system 2. In Figure 3, the heating system 2 is shown in the open state and in Figure 4 in the closed state.

[0166] According to Figure 3, the support elements 6 are fully extended. The head element 7 arranged at the upper ends of the support elements 6 and the casing element 8 firmly connected to the head element 7 are arranged at a height H above the base element 5 such that the reaction unit 4 is freely movable in the horizontal direction between the base element 5 and the casing element 8.

[0167] The casing element 8 is movably supported in the lower region against the support elements 6. By means of the lateral support against the support elements 6, a straight movement of the casing element 8 in the direction of movement B between the end positions is ensured. Tilting of the casing element 8 is avoided. The casing element 8 has heating elements 16a distributed evenly around the circumference of the inner surface of the casing. The heating elements 16a are arranged essentially vertically and are guided through the wall to the inner surface in the lower region of the casing element 8. The heating elements 16a are each formed from two vertically aligned sections, which are connected to one another at the upper end by means of a deflection.

[0168] The casing element 8, which opens vertically downwards, is closed at the top with a hood 17 and fastened to the head element 7. The head element 7 and the casing element 8 form a coherent unit. The hood 17 is formed at its center with an exhaust nozzle 10b as a connection to the exhaust line 11a. The exhaust line 11a extends from the exhaust nozzle 10b through the hood 17 into the head element 7. The passage of the exhaust line 11a through the hood 17 is sealed towards the hood 17. In the region of the exhaust nozzle 10b, the exhaust line 11a is formed with a pipe connection 19 that is adjustable in length in the vertical direction, for example in the form of a telescopic pipe. The pipe connection 19, which is automatically adjustable in length, serves to compensate for thermal expansion of the reaction unit 4, in particular with respect to the casing element 8 and the hood 17 of the heating system 2.

[0169] The exhaust line 11a is designed as a transition from the reaction unit 4 to the distillation unit 3 with a heating device 20. The electrically operated heating device 20, which surrounds the exhaust line 11a, is connected to the control device 15, as is the temperature sensor T1.

[0170] In addition, the exhaust line 11a has a connecting element 11-1 for connecting the exhaust line 11a to a device for admitting a gaseous purging medium, for example, nitrogen. The purging medium can flow into the exhaust line 11a and in particular into the reaction unit 4 via the connecting element 11-1. The connecting element 11-1 is arranged between the pipe connection 19 and the region of the exhaust line 11a enclosed by the heating device 20, specifically at the vertically highest point of the exhaust line 11, 11a.

[0171] The exhaust line 11a has a connecting element 18 at the distal end, starting from the exhaust nozzle 10b. The connecting element 18, which is advantageously designed as a quick-action coupling, serves to connect the exhaust line 11a of the heating system 2 with the exhaust line 11b of the distillation unit 3 in the closed state of the heating system 2 according to Figure 4. Due to the downward movement of the head element 7 when closing the heating system 2, the exhaust lines 11a, 11b are

[0172] Connecting element 18 and the exhaust gas nozzles 10a, 10b are coupled to each other so that a gas-tight connection is established from the reaction unit 4 to the distillation unit 3.

[0173] The reaction unit 4 arranged on the base element 5 is formed with a wall 21 in the form of a hollow cylindrical vessel with an outer diameter of approximately 1.8 m, which is closed at the base. The open side of the wall 21 can be closed by means of a cover element 22. A seal is arranged between the wall 21 and the cover element 22, so that the reaction unit 4 is tightly sealed. Sieve elements 23 are formed inside the reaction unit 4. The sieve elements 23 are aligned horizontally and arranged at different heights, spaced from one another.

[0174] In the second end position shown in Figure 4, the support elements 6 are fully retracted. The casing element 8 sits on the base element 5 and completely encloses the reaction unit 4. The heating system 2 is closed.

[0175] The reaction unit 4, which is charged with raw materials, is advantageously heated evenly via the base and the wall 21. The heating elements 16a serve to heat the reaction unit 4 via the wall 21, while heating elements 16b arranged on the base element 5 supply heat to the reaction unit 4 through the base. When the heating system 2 is closed, the heating elements 16a formed on the circumference of the jacket element 8 are equally spaced from the wall 21 of the reaction unit 4. The heating elements 16a, 16b are preferably electrically operated.

[0176] The reaction unit 4 remains in the heating system 2 for a period of approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, during which the main reaction and conversion of the raw materials takes place within the reaction unit 4. Depending on the feed and the end products to be produced, the reaction temperature within the reaction unit 4 is between 350°C and 800°C, in particular between 400°C and 600°C, specifically approximately 550°C. This temperature is determined by means of the temperature sensors T2, T3 arranged in the space formed between the reaction unit 4 and the jacket element 8. This consumes energy in the range of 40 kWh per hour. The reaction unit 4 is fed with raw materials weighing between 2.5 t and 3 t.

[0177] The gases generated during the carbonization process are discharged, in particular extracted, into the exhaust line 11 through the exhaust nozzle 10 arranged on the cover element 22. When the heating system 2 is closed, the exhaust nozzle 10a of the reaction unit 4 and the exhaust nozzle 10b of the hood 17 of the casing element 8 are connected to one another in a gas-tight manner. This ensures that no gases can escape into the space between the reaction unit 4 and the casing element 8. Within the reaction unit 4, a negative pressure prevails with an absolute value in the range of 2 mbar to 10 mbar, specifically of approximately 4 mbar, which is generated by the extraction device 14-1 arranged on a first outlet nozzle of the oil tank 13 for extracting the gases via the surface of the oil accumulating within the oil tank 13.By specifically extracting oxygen from reaction unit 4, the reaction temperature or process temperature within reaction unit 4 is reached in a shorter time. On the other hand, the structure formation of the carbon as the end product is influenced. Another factor influencing the formation and purity of the carbon is the duration of the carbonization process. The longer the carbonization process, the purer the carbon. Depending on the starting materials, it can be used for medical purposes, for example. The carbon used for medical purposes may need to be further purified. Carbon recovered during a shorter carbonization process is preferably used, for example, as filter material or in the construction industry.

[0178] The factors influencing the formation and purity of the carbon also include the flushing of the reaction unit 4 with the gaseous flushing medium, in particular nitrogen, on the one hand during the carbonization and distillation process and on the other hand during the cooling process of the reaction unit 4.

[0179] The heating device 20 surrounding the exhaust line 11a heats the exhaust line 11a, in particular to a temperature in the range of 120°C to 160°C, in order to reduce the temperature difference between the exhaust line 11a and the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust line 11a. The temperature of the flowing exhaust gas is determined by the temperature sensor T1. The heating device 20 serves to prevent premature condensation of the exhaust gas before entering the distillation unit 3 and thus also to prevent undesirable clogging of the exhaust line 11a. Heating the exhaust line 11a supports the outflow of the exhaust gas from the reaction unit 4.

[0180] Figure 5 shows the base element 5 of the heating system 2. The base element 5 comprises a base plate 24 and a centering device 25 for the casing element 8, heating elements 16b, and support elements 28 for holding the reaction unit 4. The base element 5 is essentially made of ceramic to ensure thermal insulation from the outside, particularly from below. In combination with the thermal insulation of the casing element 8, this minimizes heat loss from the heating system 2.

[0181] The reaction unit 4 rests on the support elements 28 of the base plate 24. The support elements 28 are designed and arranged such that the reaction unit 4, when resting on the support elements 28, is aligned centrally with the base element 5.

[0182] The centering device 25 is designed in the form of a circular disc with a shoulder. The disc thus has two areas with different diameters. The circular area arranged between the areas serves as the sealing surface 27.

[0183] The outer circumference of the area of ​​the disc with the smaller diameter is smaller than the inner circumference of the wall 21 of the reaction unit 4 or of the casing element 8. When the heating system 2 is closed, a gap is formed between a casing surface 26 of the area of ​​the disc with the smaller diameter and the inner surface of the wall 21. The casing element 8 rests on the sealing surface 27 of the base plate 24, so that the space enclosed by the casing element 8 and the base plate 24 is tightly sealed. To seal the enclosed space, seals are arranged on the corresponding surfaces of the base plate 24 and the casing element 8. In addition, the casing element 8 is pressed and held against the sealing surface 27 of the base plate 24 with a pressure in the range of 1 bar to 2 bar. Since the support elements 6 are also attached to the base plate 24, the base plate 24 supports the entire heating system 2.

[0184] The heating elements 16b are arranged essentially horizontally on an end surface 29 of the centering device 25 and guided vertically through the end surface 29. The meandering, curved heating elements 16b each have the shape of a hand with five fingers. The length of the fingers increases from the outside to the inside, so that the middle finger has the greatest length. The heating elements 16b are aligned symmetrically to one another, with the tips of the fingers pointing toward the center of the end surface 29.

[0185] The support elements 28, on which the reaction unit 4 rests, extend vertically beyond the heating elements 16b, so that the base of the reaction unit 4 resting on the support elements 28 is arranged above the heating elements 16b. The heating elements 16b are each at the same distance from the base of the reaction unit 4 to ensure uniform heat input through the base of the reaction unit 4.

[0186] The centering device 25, the support elements 28 and the heating elements 16b are arranged concentrically around the center of the base plate 24.

[0187] Figure 6 shows the distillation unit 3, comprising the exhaust gas line 11 b, the cooling section 12 with the air guide housing 12-1 and the fans 12-2 as well as the oil tank 13 with the suction device 14-1 and the oil conveying device 14-2 in the order of the flow direction of the end products.

[0188] The gases discharged from the heating system 2 are conducted through the exhaust line 11b to the cooling sections 12, which are also made of pipes. The gas mass flow is split at a branch 30 into two partial mass flows by two parallel pipes. Splitting the gas mass flow improves heat transfer from the gas mass flow to the environment, thus optimizing the distillation or condensation process.

[0189] To further improve heat transfer, the tubes are designed with fins to increase the heat transfer surfaces of the cooling sections 12. The air guide housing 12-1 and the fans 12-2 further increase and simultaneously control the heat output to be dissipated by the gases to be cooled, in particular the amount of condensation heat. The ambient air is drawn evenly through the air guide housing 12-1 as cooling air and directed in a targeted manner over the cooling sections 12. The appropriate power or air volume flow of the fans 12-2 ensures that the exhaust gases flowing through the cooling section 12 of the distillation unit 3 can be liquefied at a condensation temperature in the range of 95°C to 125°C.With the additional flow to the cooling sections 12, the cooling sections 12 are cooled to a temperature below the condensation temperature of the gases or maintained at the corresponding temperature level. With the heat output controlled in this way, a higher oil yield is achieved with a lower residual gas yield. The temperature is determined using the temperature sensor T1 arranged, as shown in Figure 1, on the exhaust line 11 formed between the heating system 2 and the distillation unit 3.

[0190] After flowing through the cooling sections 12, the partial mass flows divided before entering the cooling sections 12 are reunited at an outlet point 31 and introduced into the oil tank 13 from above through an inlet nozzle 32.

[0191] The oil, which has a greater density than the gas, settles in the oil tank 13. The non-condensable portion of the distillation products is discharged through a first outlet nozzle 33 in the upper region of the oil tank 13. To extract the gases via the surface of the oil accumulating within the oil tank 13, the extraction device 14-1 is arranged at the first outlet nozzle 33 of the oil tank 13. By extracting the gases and the resulting negative pressure within the device 1, in particular the air, and thus the oxygen as a component of the air, is extracted from the reaction unit 4, thus influencing the carbonization process.

[0192] To pump the oil out of the oil tank 13, the oil pumping device 14-2 is arranged at a second outlet nozzle 34 of the oil tank 13.

[0193] Figure 7 shows an oil tank 13 with a cut-open side surface to provide a view of the interior.

[0194] The inlet nozzle 32 is located on top of the oil tank 13, so that the distillation products flow into the oil tank 13 from above. The oil settles at the bottom of the oil tank 13, while the gases, which have a lower density than the oil, concentrate above the oil level. The oil level in the oil tank 13 is determined and monitored using a float 35. When a predetermined fill level is reached, the oil is removed from the oil tank 13 for further processing.

[0195] The gases accumulating in the upper region of the oil tank 13 are discharged through the first outlet nozzle 33, in particular by means of the suction device 14-1, while the oil accumulating in the lower region of the oil tank 13 is suctioned through the second outlet nozzle 34, in particular by means of the oil conveying device 14-2.

[0196] In Figures 8a and 8b, the reaction unit 4 is shown in the closed state, with Figure 8b showing a sectional view of the reaction unit 4.

[0197] The wall 21, which is designed in the form of a hollow cylindrical vessel with a closed bottom, can be closed on the open side opposite the bottom by means of a lid element 22. During the process of closing the reaction unit 4, the lid element 22 is placed vertically onto the upwardly facing end face of the wall 21. The lid element 22 is pressed against the end face of the wall 21 due to its own weight and rests releasably against the wall 21.

[0198] A high-temperature-resistant seal is arranged between the wall 21 and the cover element 22 to tightly seal the reaction unit 4. When closed, the reaction unit 4 has a height of approximately 2.4 m.

[0199] The cover element 22 is formed with a connecting piece 36 adjacent to the exhaust outlet 10a. A device for admitting a gaseous purge medium, in particular nitrogen, into the reaction unit 4 can be connected to the connecting piece 36.

[0200] The actual carbonization-distillation process, in which the reaction unit 4 is arranged within the heating system 2 and is heated or essentially maintained at the desired reaction temperature, is terminated at an exhaust gas temperature of approximately 60°C, determined by the temperature sensor T1 arranged between the heating system 2 and the distillation unit 3. The reaction unit 4 is removed from the heating system 2 and has a temperature, for example, in the range of 500°C to 600°C.

[0201] After removal from the heating system 2, the reaction unit 4 is cooled to a temperature defined depending on the product use. The mixture located inside the reaction unit 4 is removed after opening the reaction unit 4, i.e., after removing the cover element 22. The reaction unit 4 is then returned to the process and refilled. The carbon-iron mixture is separated into its components. The recovered unique carbon is further formed during the cooling process between 600°C and 60°C, or 20°C or 30°C, within the reaction unit 4 in the oxygen-free atmosphere. During this process, the gaseous purge medium, in particular nitrogen, flows into the reaction unit 4 through the connection piece 36, which also influences the cooling process.Alternatively, the gaseous purging medium can be introduced through the exhaust port 10a, to which the device for admitting the gaseous purging medium can be connected, particularly if the connecting port 36 is not provided. The inflow of the purging medium during the cooling process and thus before the reaction unit 4 is emptied can accelerate the cooling process, but primarily serves to purify the end products and could thus also support the formation of the carbon recovered using the device 1. Purging the reaction unit 4 increases the purity of the end products, in particular the carbon. Contaminants are purified out. The purging medium flowing into the reaction unit 4 through the connecting port 36 is discharged from the reaction unit 4 together with the contaminants through the exhaust port 10a formed in the cover element 22.The reaction unit 4 is opened at a temperature inside the reaction unit 4 in the range of 20 °C to 60 °C, in particular in the range of 30 °C to 60 °C.

[0202] During the process of opening the reaction unit 4, the cover element 22 is lifted vertically and removed from the reaction unit 4 so that the reaction unit 4 can be emptied and then refilled. Even during the emptying process, the reaction unit 4 can be exposed to the flushing medium in order to achieve the desired purity of the end products, in particular the carbon. The carbon is preferably extracted when the reaction unit 4 is emptied. Four reaction units 4 made of high-temperature-resistant steel, each with a filling capacity in the range of 2.5 t to 3.5 t (75% mechanical, 25% automated), are involved simultaneously in the carbonization-distillation process for the material treatment of the raw materials. While the first reaction unit 4 is being charged, the second reaction unit 4, which is already charged, is preheated.Meanwhile, the third reaction unit 4 is already fed into the heating system 2 and is heated, so that the actual carbonization-distillation process takes place. Meanwhile, the fourth reaction unit 4 is cooled and then emptied.

[0203] By using the modular system, for example, with four reaction units, throughput can be gradually increased and flexibly adapted to current needs. The entire process runs quasi-continuously.

[0204] Figures 9a to 9n show microscopic images of carbon produced using device 1 for the material treatment of raw materials. The images, taken with a transmission electron microscope (TEM), reveal the structure of the carbon. Transmission electron microscopy is used to identify and characterize the structure and particle size of substances and mixtures of substances in the nanometer range.

[0205] The images show a very fine, three-dimensional, homogeneous, and pseudocrystalline structure of the primary carbon particles in the subnanometer range with a very large internal surface area. The carbon particles can be partially identified as larger agglomerates with the same surface structure.

[0206] Figures 9p and 9q show the results of Raman spectroscopy of the carbon. The missing 2D maximum at 2,700 cm-1 indicates the absence of a large-scale graphitic arrangement. The carbon produced with device 1 for the material treatment of raw materials is amorphous, inorganic carbon in which the nanoparticles are cross-linked without long-range order. The carbon exhibits neither nanotubes nor any structural similarity to graphene.

[0207] The recording of a Raman spectrum and the determination of the intensity and width of G-Raman and D-Raman bands can be carried out using the Confocal RAMAN Microscope inVia from Renishaw with 532 nm and 785 nm lasers.

[0208] Figure 10 shows an electrical energy storage device 40 in the form of a supercapacitor with a layered construction. The supercapacitor can have a symmetrical design with a double layer of carbon. The negative and positive poles are identical in structure. The poles can be defined during the initial charging process.

[0209] From the outside to the inside, the storage device 40 comprises a housing 41 and a collector 42 with an electrode 43 formed as a carbon layer. A separator 44 and an electrolyte are provided inside. From the inside to the outside, the electrode 43 formed as a carbon layer, a collector 42, and the housing 41 are arranged on both sides of the separator 44 with the electrolyte. The storage device 40 thus has a double layer.

[0210] The housing 41 can be formed as a laminated film made of polyester (PET for short), which has an adhesive layer of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA for short) on an inwardly facing side. The housing 41 presses the collectors 42 together with the electrodes 43. The interior of the storage device 40 is kept free of oxygen to prevent oxidation.

[0211] At each of them preferably made of a brass foil with a thickness of about 0.2 mm and a surface of 10 cm 2 The ions are deposited on the collectors 42. The collectors 42 establish the electrical connection for the electrical current from the terminals of the storage device 40 to the electrodes 43. The collectors 42, especially the electrodes 43, are compatible with the electrolyte, thus avoiding an undesirable reaction.

[0212] The crushed carbon, which is usually first processed with a mixer and then further refined with a mortar, is mixed with methyl alcohol, specifically 99% methyl alcohol, and applied to the ground and then degreased brass foil. The mixture of carbon and methyl alcohol can be applied using a spraying tool, particularly an airbrush. Since the methyl alcohol evaporates completely after being applied to the brass foil, the mixing ratio of carbon to methyl alcohol is irrelevant and can be adjusted to the spraying tool. Multiple layers, preferably a first and a second layer, can be applied using the spraying tool.

[0213] For a further layer, soda water glass, especially 10% soda water glass, is mixed with demineralized water in a ratio of 1:1. Carbon is then added to the mixture of soda water glass and demineralized water. 10 ml of carbon, which is determined as the flaky volume, is added to 40 ml of solution. The finished mixture is also applied using the spraying tool, preferably in two layers each, to the brass foil, especially the existing carbon layers. This binds the lower layers, which absorb some of the liquid.

[0214] With the carbon produced by the raw material treatment process, with its structure of a three-dimensional arrangement of carbon nanoparticles and a very large surface area, maximum capacity is achieved with minimal volume and weight, since the surface area of ​​the electrodes 43, in particular, determines the value of the capacity. The electrodes 43 formed from carbon are also chemically inert toward the electrolyte and exhibit high temperature stability.

[0215] Phosphoric acid, H3PO4 for short, saturated with sodium hydroxide, NaOH for short, can be used as an electrolyte. Sodium hydroxide is also added. Six beads of sodium hydroxide are added to 10 ml of phosphoric acid to increase electrical conductivity.

[0216] The separator 44, which serves to prevent short circuits within the storage device 40, is impregnated with the electrolyte. The thickness and density of the separator 44 determine the voltage and the automatic discharge of the supercapacitor. A lint-free paper layer in the form of pure cellulose with a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm can serve as the separator 44. The paper layer can be formed as a double layer.

[0217] The storage device 40 produced in this way can be charged as an energy cell with 0.5 V. The energy is absorbed in a very short time without any temperature change and can also be released quickly without any temperature change. With the properties of the supercapacitor, a voltage of 0.5 V to over 10 V can be achieved. The storage device 40 is scalable to various sizes. An electrical energy storage device can be formed from a plurality of storage devices 40.

[0218] A storage device 40 with a total weight of 2 g contains 0.3 g of carbon and is fully charged to a voltage of 5.24 V within a period of 1 s. The storage device 40 has an electrical capacitance of 140 mF. The current is therefore 0.73 A. Such a storage device 40 is scalable in size.

[0219] When compared to conventional materials for the production of supercapacitors using activated carbon made from coconut fibers as electrodes and otherwise identical parameters and dimensions, the electrical capacitance is only 71 mF. The storage device made with activated carbon also discharges several times faster. The differences are primarily due to the different BET surface area values ​​of the activated carbon compared to the amorphous carbon produced by the raw material treatment process, which has a structure consisting of a three-dimensional arrangement of carbon nanoparticles. Amorphous carbon also exhibits several times higher heat resistance.

[0220] According to alternative embodiments, the collectors 42 are formed from a graphite foil, which is less susceptible to acid and accordingly allows greater flexibility in the choice of electrolyte, and an aluminum foil.

[0221] To increase the potential voltage of the storage device 40, the carbon can be cleaned prior to processing, particularly in an acid bath, or heated to up to 800°C for activation, for example, in a microwave. Instead of sodium silicate, polyurethane, casein, or acetone with white glue can be used as a binder. The electrodes 43 can each be folded to increase the contact surface.

[0222] Water-based solutions such as zinc and sodium sulfates, as well as organic solutions such as ethyl acetate, are used as electrolytes. The electrolyte can be made water-based with sodium sulfate (Na2SO4 for short) and preferably activated, for example, in a microwave. A redox electrolyte can also be used as the electrolyte.

[0223] A synthetic material, particularly a thin polypropylene membrane with extremely fine pores or a glass fiber fabric, can be used as separator 44. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0224] 1 device for material treatment

[0225] 2 Heating system

[0226] 3 Distillation unit

[0227] 4 reaction unit

[0228] 5 Floor element of the heating system 2

[0229] 6 Support element

[0230] 7 Head element of the heating system 2

[0231] 8 Jacket element of the heating system 2

[0232] 9 Enclosure

[0233] 10, 10a, 10b exhaust nozzle

[0234] 11 , 11a, 11 b exhaust pipe

[0235] 11-1 Connection element of the exhaust pipe 11 , 11a

[0236] 12 Cooling section of the distillation unit 3

[0237] 12-1 Air guide housing

[0238] 12-2 fans

[0239] 13 Oil tank

[0240] 14-1 Suction device

[0241] 14-2 Oil extraction device

[0242] 15 Control device

[0243] 16a, 16b Heating element

[0244] 17 hood

[0245] 18 Connecting element of the exhaust pipe 11 , 11a

[0246] 19 Pipe connection

[0247] 20 Heating device

[0248] 21 Wall of reaction unit 4

[0249] 22 Cover element

[0250] 23 Sieve element

[0251] 24 Base plate 25 Centering device for casing element 8

[0252] 26 Surface of the centering device 25

[0253] 27 Sealing surface of the centering device 25

[0254] 28 Support element for reaction unit 4

[0255] 29 End surface

[0256] 30 branch

[0257] 31 Mouth

[0258] 32 Oil tank inlet nozzle 13

[0259] 33 first outlet nozzle of the oil tank 13

[0260] 34 second outlet nozzle of the oil tank 13

[0261] 35 swimmers

[0262] 36 Connection piece of the cover element 22

[0263] 40 storage device

[0264] 41 housings

[0265] 42 collector

[0266] 43 Electrode

[0267] 44 Separator

[0268] B Direction of movement of the heating system 2

[0269] H Height

[0270] T1, T2, T3 temperature sensor

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Carbon having a structure of a three-dimensional arrangement of carbon nanoparticles as agglomerates, produced by a process for the material treatment of carbon-containing raw materials, wherein the carbon is amorphous and the carbon nanoparticles are cross-linked without long-range order, do not have a large-scale graphitic arrangement or structural similarity to graphene and are not arranged as nanotubes, the process comprising the following steps: - heating a reaction unit (4) charged with raw materials and arranged in a closed heating system (2) and starting a carbonisation and distillation process, wherein the carbonisation and distillation process is carried out by targeted heating at a substantially constant temperature within the reaction unit (4), - discharging gases produced from the reaction unit (4) into a distillation unit (3) through an exhaust gas line (11, 11a) formed between the reaction unit (4) and the distillation unit (3) and determining the temperature of the gas flowing through the exhaust gas line (11, 11a), - cooling and condensing the gases in the distillation unit (3), wherein the temperature of the gases is controlled by forced cooling of a cooling section (12) of the distillation unit (3) via a heat output dissipated by the gases, and - Extraction of non-condensable gases, whereby a negative pressure to the environment is generated within the reaction unit (4) and oxygen is removed from the reaction unit (4), for medical use. Carbon for medical use according to claim 1, characterized in that the use serves for hemoperfusion / adsorption. Carbon for medical use according to claim 1, characterized in that the use serves for topical application to the skin, in particular for wound healing, specifically for the treatment of wounds and wound surfaces. Carbon for medical use according to claim 1, characterized in that the use serves for application in cases of poisoning, in particular for oral intake as an antidote. Carbon for medical use according to claim 1, characterized in that the carbon serves as a carrier molecule, in particular for antibiotics. Carbon for medical use according to claim 1, characterized in that the use serves for coating, in particular for implants.Use of an amorphous carbon having a structure of a three-dimensional arrangement of carbon nanoparticles as agglomerates, produced by a process for the material treatment of carbon-containing raw materials, wherein the carbon nanoparticles are cross-linked without long-range order, do not have a large-scale graphitic arrangement and are not arranged as nanotubes, the process comprising the following steps:. - heating a reaction unit (4) charged with raw materials and arranged in a closed heating system (2) and starting a carbonisation and distillation process, wherein the carbonisation and distillation process is carried out by targeted heating at a substantially constant temperature within the reaction unit (4), - discharging gases produced from the reaction unit (4) into a distillation unit (3) through an exhaust gas line (11, 11a) formed between the reaction unit (4) and the distillation unit (3) and determining the temperature of the gas flowing through the exhaust gas line (11, 11a), - cooling and condensing the gases in the distillation unit (3), wherein the temperature of the gases is controlled by forced cooling of a cooling section (12) of the distillation unit (3) via a heat output dissipated by the gases, and - Extraction of non-condensable gases, whereby a negative pressure to the environment is generated within the reaction unit (4) and oxygen is removed from the reaction unit (4), as a thermal and / or fire-resistant and / or radiation-resistant insulating material. Use of the carbon according to claim 7, characterized in that the insulating material is designed as a component of a heat shield for rockets and / or space gliders. Use of the carbon according to claim 7, characterized in that the insulating material is designed as a component of a housing, in particular of a power plant or nuclear reactors. Use of the carbon according to claim 7, characterized in that the insulating material is designed as a component of a wall of a house. Use of an amorphous carbon with a structure of a three-dimensional arrangement of carbon nanoparticles as Agglomerates produced by a process for the material treatment of carbon-containing raw materials, wherein the carbon nanoparticles are cross-linked without long-range order, do not have a large-scale graphitic arrangement and are not arranged as nanotubes, the process comprising the following steps: - heating a reaction unit (4) charged with raw materials and arranged in a closed heating system (2) and starting a carbonisation and distillation process, wherein the carbonisation and distillation process is carried out by targeted heating at a substantially constant temperature within the reaction unit (4), - discharging gases produced from the reaction unit (4) into a distillation unit (3) through an exhaust gas line (11, 11a) formed between the reaction unit (4) and the distillation unit (3) and determining the temperature of the gas flowing through the exhaust gas line (11, 11a), - cooling and condensing the gases in the distillation unit (3), wherein the temperature of the gases is controlled by forced cooling of a cooling section (12) of the distillation unit (3) via a heat output dissipated by the gases, and - Extracting non-condensable gases, wherein a negative pressure is generated within the reaction unit (4) relative to the environment and oxygen is removed from the reaction unit (4), as a filter element. Use of the carbon according to claim 11, characterized in that the filter element is designed as a water filter element or as an air filter element. Use of the carbon according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the use serves to filter salt, oil, gasoline, iodine, or acid from water. Use of the carbon according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the filter element, in particular the air filter element, is designed as a component of an air conditioning system or a respirator mask or an exhaust device. Use of an amorphous carbon with a structure of a three-dimensional arrangement of carbon nanoparticles as agglomerates, produced by a process for the material treatment of carbon-containing raw materials, wherein the carbon nanoparticles are cross-linked without long-range order, do not have a large-scale graphitic arrangement, and are not arranged as nanotubes, wherein the process comprises the following steps: - heating a reaction unit (4) charged with raw materials and arranged in a closed heating system (2) and starting a carbonisation and distillation process, wherein the carbonisation and distillation process is carried out by targeted heating at a substantially constant temperature within the reaction unit (4), - discharging gases produced from the reaction unit (4) into a distillation unit (3) through an exhaust gas line (11, 11a) formed between the reaction unit (4) and the distillation unit (3) and determining the temperature of the gas flowing through the exhaust gas line (11, 11a), - cooling and condensing the gases in the distillation unit (3), wherein the temperature of the gases is controlled by forced cooling of a cooling section (12) of the distillation unit (3) via a heat output dissipated by the gases, and - Extracting non-condensable gases, wherein a negative pressure to the environment is generated within the reaction unit (4) and oxygen is removed from the reaction unit (4), as a storage element. Use of the carbon according to claim 15, characterized in that the storage element is designed as a component of an electrical energy store. Use of the carbon according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the storage element is designed as a component of a battery, in particular a battery of a motor vehicle. Use of the carbon according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the storage element is designed as a component of a capacitor. Use of the carbon according to claim 15, characterized in that the storage element is designed as a component of a data store.Storage device (40) as an electrical energy store in the form of a double-layer capacitor, having a symmetrical structure with, from the outside to the inside, a housing (41) and a collector (42) with an electrode (43) designed as a carbon layer and a separator (44) with an electrolyte, characterized in that the carbon layer consists of a method for the material treatment of carbon-containing raw materials, comprising the following steps:. - heating a reaction unit (4) charged with raw materials and arranged in a closed heating system (2) and starting a carbonisation and distillation process, wherein the carbonisation and distillation process is carried out by targeted heating at a substantially constant temperature within the reaction unit (4), - discharging gases produced from the reaction unit (4) into a distillation unit (3) through an exhaust gas line (11, 11a) formed between the reaction unit (4) and the distillation unit (3) and determining the temperature of the gas flowing through the exhaust gas line (11, 11a), - cooling and condensing the gases in the distillation unit (3), wherein the temperature of the gases is controlled by forced cooling of a cooling section (12) of the distillation unit (3) via a heat output dissipated by the gases, and - Extracting non-condensable gases, wherein a negative pressure is generated within the reaction unit (4) relative to the environment and oxygen is removed from the reaction unit (4). The carbon produced has a structure of a three-dimensional arrangement of carbon nanoparticles as agglomerates, wherein the carbon is amorphous and the carbon nanoparticles are cross-linked without long-range order, do not have a large-scale graphitic arrangement, and are not arranged as nanotubes. Use of an amorphous carbon with a structure of a three-dimensional arrangement of carbon nanoparticles as agglomerates, produced by a process for the material treatment of carbon-containing raw materials, wherein the carbon nanoparticles are cross-linked without long-range order, do not have a large-scale graphitic arrangement, and are not arranged as nanotubes, the process comprising the following steps: - heating a reaction unit (4) charged with raw materials and arranged in a closed heating system (2) and starting a carbonisation and distillation process, wherein the carbonisation and distillation process is carried out by targeted heating at a substantially constant temperature within the reaction unit (4), - discharging gases produced from the reaction unit (4) into a distillation unit (3) through an exhaust gas line (11, 11a) formed between the reaction unit (4) and the distillation unit (3) and determining the temperature of the gas flowing through the exhaust gas line (11, 11a), - cooling and condensing the gases in the distillation unit (3), wherein the temperature of the gases is controlled by forced cooling of a cooling section (12) of the distillation unit (3) via a heat output dissipated by the gases, and - Extracting non-condensable gases, whereby a negative pressure is created within the reaction unit (4) relative to the environment and oxygen is removed from the reaction unit (4), for producing plant products or for planting in water-scarce areas, whereby the carbon serves as a water reservoir and nutrient reservoir, in particular for enriching the upper soil layers. Use of the carbon according to claim 21, characterized in that the use serves for the production of plant-based foods. Use of the carbon according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the use serves as a natural stalk stabilizer in grain production. Use of the carbon according to one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the carbon is introduced into the soil in one or more layers over a large area, in particular at a depth of approximately 20 cm to 30 cm.

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