Biomass-Derived Carbonaceous Material With Tuned Surface Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional carbon black production is associated with environmental and health issues due to greenhouse gas emissions and the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), necessitating the development of alternative carbonaceous materials from biomass feedstocks.

Innovation Solution

Production of carbonaceous materials from biomass feedstocks through post-treatment processes that deoxygenate parent materials, resulting in high carbon content, tunable surface area, and absence of PAHs, without using activating agents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If conventional carbon black is produced through thermal decomposition of fossil fuels, then carbon black with desired properties is obtained, but greenhouse gas emissions and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are generated causing environmental and health issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegreenhouse gas emissions and PAHsVSAvoidproduction process

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of feedstock source from fossil fuels to biomass materials (such as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin). This parameter change transforms the carbon source to be renewable and reduces harmful emissions while maintaining the thermal decomposition process to produce carbon black with desired properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the previously harmful fossil fuel combustion process into a beneficial renewable energy cycle by using biomass materials that can be sustainably sourced. The thermal decomposition of biomass produces carbon black while the biomass feedstock can be derived from agricultural or forestry waste, turning potential waste into valuable products and reducing net carbon emissions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Illumination intensity

If carbon black particles are produced with small diameters in the nanometer range, then light absorption and scattering properties are improved, but particle aggregation and agglomeration occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight absorption and scatteringVSAvoidparticle dispersion

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing surface functional groups at specific locations on the carbon black particle surfaces. These functional groups (such as carboxyl, hydroxyl, or other oxygen-containing groups) are localized on the particle surfaces to improve dispersibility and reduce aggregation, while the core particles maintain their small nanometer diameters for optimal light absorption and scattering

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite structures by combining carbon black particles with functional surface coatings or grafting polymer chains onto the particle surfaces. This composite approach maintains the core carbon black properties for light absorption while the surface layers provide steric or electrostatic stabilization to prevent aggregation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

The carbonaceous materials offer reduced environmental impact, improved mechanical properties, and performance comparable to conventional carbon black, while eliminating detectable PAHs and reducing carbon emissions.

Implementation Method 1

Carbon black particles have a complex structure, which can form aggregates and agglomerates; however, such particles can have small diameters (e.g., in the nanometer range), which enables carbon black to absorb and scatter light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

Carbon black particles have a complex structure, which can form aggregates and agglomerates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAggregation: Coagulation

Implementation Method 4

Carbon black particles have a complex structure, which can form aggregates and agglomerates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAgglomeration: Coagulation

Data Source

PatentUS20260015484A1Carbonaceous material having tuned physical and chemical properties and methods of making and using the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 ORIGIN MATERIALS OPERATING INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a carbonaceous material exhibiting properties and characteristics that lend to its use in forming composite materials. In particular aspects, the carbonaceous material comprises a carbon content of greater than or equal to 85 wt. %, a surface area ranging from 150 m2/g to 500 m2/g, and an oil absorption value ranging from 50 g/100 g to 100 g/100 g. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the carbonaceous material, including forming composite polymer compositions.