Anthracite-Based Graphene Oxide Preparation Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing graphene and graphene oxide are costly and inefficient due to the high cost of graphite and the need for specialized equipment and harsh chemicals, limiting mass production potential.
Innovation Solution
A method using anthracite as a raw material, involving steps such as washing, drying, grinding, and ultrasound treatment, followed by pre-oxidation and intercalation with oxidizing agents, to produce graphene oxide, which reduces the need for expensive graphite and minimizes the use of strong acids and oxidants, facilitating lower production costs and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional oxidation-reduction process is used with high quality graphite, then graphene quality is stable, but production cost is high and mass production is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive high-quality crystalline flake graphite with cheaper anthracite coal as the raw material. Anthracite contains oxygen-containing functional groups that facilitate the oxidation process, making it a cost-effective alternative that maintains acceptable graphene quality while enabling mass production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the oxidation process parameters by using a milder oxidation system (potassium permanganate in sulfuric acid) compared to traditional strong oxidants. This parameter change reduces the harshness of the process while maintaining effective oxidation, and the use of anthracite's inherent oxygen groups further moderates the required oxidation intensity.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional oxidation-reduction process is used with strong acid and strong oxidant, then graphene oxide is formed, but heat release is serious and equipment standards must be strict
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the oxidation parameters by using potassium permanganate in sulfuric acid instead of more aggressive oxidants. This parameter modification achieves effective oxidation while reducing the intensity of heat release, thereby lowering equipment standards and safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses anthracite coal with inherent oxygen-containing groups that assist the oxidation process. This substitution reduces the reliance on excessive strong oxidants, thereby moderating the exothermic reaction and reducing heat release concerns.
3Manufacturing precision
If high quality crystalline flake graphite is used as main material, then graphene quality is high, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly substitutes expensive high-quality crystalline flake graphite with inexpensive anthracite coal. The anthracite's oxygen-containing functional groups actually facilitate the oxidation process, making this cheaper material suitable for producing acceptable quality graphene oxide and graphene.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the composite structure of anthracite coal, which contains both carbon structures suitable for graphene formation and oxygen-containing groups that aid oxidation. This natural composite composition eliminates the need for expensive purified graphite while maintaining process effectiveness.
4Manufacturing precision
If physical methods are used for graphene synthesis, then graphene layers are intact, but productivity is low and equipment cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical stripping methods with a chemical oxidation-reduction approach. This substitution enables mass production through chemical processes while the subsequent reduction step restores the graphene structure, achieving both high productivity and acceptable layer integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method significantly reduces production costs and increases the productivity of graphene and graphene oxide, enabling more efficient and cost-effective large-scale industrial production by utilizing abundant and inexpensive anthracite, which is rich in oxygen-containing groups that aid in the oxidation process.
Implementation Method 1
putting the anthracite powder obtained through step a. into a dispersant and treating it with an ultrasound to obtain a dispersing liquid
Implementation Method 2
mixing the dispersing liquid with pre-oxidant and treating it with an ultrasound environment... mixing it with an oxidizing agent
Implementation Method 3
heat treating a filtrated dispersing liquid with pre-oxidant under microwave conditions of 400-900W for 5-30min
Implementation Method 4
treating the graphene oxide colloid solution from step d. with a centrifugal process, with a rotating speed being 4000r/min
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a preparation method of graphene oxide based on anthracite. The method consists of the following steps. a. Preparation of ultra-clean anthracite powder; b. Pretreatment of ultra-clean anthracite powder; c. Preparation of anthracite oxide dispersion; d. Preparation of graphene oxide colloid solution; e. Preparation of graphene oxide. The invention also relates to a preparation method of graphene using graphene oxide obtained by method mentioned before. The method consists of the following steps. f. Preparation of graphene oxide-dispersant solution; g. Reduction of graphene oxide; h. Obtaining graphene by suction filtration and drying process. Based on the preparation of anthracite, the invention could reduce production costs effectively comparing to traditional preparation methods of graphene and graphene oxide, and make the reaction more fast and complete, facilitating the achievement of large scale industrial production.