Graphene Oxide Production from Graphite Electrode Scrap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for manufacturing graphene oxide are lengthy, difficult to handle at an industrial scale, and environmentally unfriendly, with high chemical waste generation and slow productivity, whereas existing methods for producing graphene cannot be transposed to produce graphene oxide.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the grinding of graphite electrode scrap, followed by a chemical oxidation process using a mixture of acid and nitrate salt with an oxidizing agent, and subsequent exfoliation to produce graphene oxide with high oxygen functional groups, which is more environmentally friendly and faster than conventional methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used to manufacture graphene oxide from graphite, then the product quality can be maintained, but the production time is excessively long and the process is difficult to handle at industrial scale
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional multi-step process is segmented and reorganized into three main stages: (1) mechanical exfoliation of graphite electrode scrap to obtain graphite powder, (2) liquid phase purification stripping treatment to separate graphene layers, and (3) centrifugal classification to obtain purified graphene oxide. This segmentation simplifies the overall process while maintaining product quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs preliminary mechanical exfoliation and purification steps before the main oxidation process. By pre-treating the graphite electrode scrap through mechanical means and liquid phase stripping, the subsequent oxidation step becomes more efficient and requires less time, thereby increasing overall productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional chemical treatment methods are used for graphite purification, then purity can be achieved, but significant chemical waste is generated and the process is environmentally unfriendly
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid phase purification stripping solution is designed to automatically separate and concentrate graphene layers through density differences and surface properties. The process utilizes the inherent properties of the materials involved, requiring minimal additional chemical treatments and reducing chemical waste generation while maintaining high purity.
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes the pH parameter of the liquid phase purification stripping solution to optimize the separation efficiency. By controlling pH within specific ranges, the process achieves effective purification with reduced chemical consumption and waste generation, making the process more environmentally friendly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing graphene production methods are applied, then graphene can be obtained, but graphene oxide cannot be produced as these methods are completely different
Solution Approach 1:
The developed method is designed to be universal and can produce both graphene and graphene oxide by adjusting process parameters. The same liquid phase purification stripping solution and centrifugal classification system work for both products, eliminating the need for completely different methodologies and enabling flexible product range expansion.
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 produces high-quality graphene oxide with a high percentage of oxygen functional groups in a shorter time, improving productivity and reducing environmental impact, while being suitable for industrial scale-up.
Implementation Method 1
an oxidation step of the grinded graphite electrode to obtain graphene oxide comprising the following successive sub-steps: i. The preparation of a mixture comprising the grinded graphite electrode, an acid and a nitrate salt... ii. The addition of an oxidizing agent... into the mixture obtained in step C.i) to obtain graphite oxide
Implementation Method 2
v. The exfoliation of graphite oxide into graphene oxide
Implementation Method 3
a centrifugation is performed. Finally, an intercalation step is performed using sodium, aluminum and fluorine as an intercalation reagent to intercalate the graphite
Implementation Method 4
step 2: centrifugal classification
Implementation Method 5
The preparation of a mixture comprising the grinded graphite electrode, an acid and a nitrate salt, the mixture being kept at a temperature below 5°C
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of graphene oxide from electrode graphite scrap comprising the provision of electrode graphite scrap, the grinding of electrode graphite scrap to obtain grinded graphite electrode and an oxidation step of the grinded graphite electrode to obtain graphene oxide.