Reduced Graphite Oxide Worm Particle Production via Spray Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing graphite oxide are inefficient, requiring extensive time and larger quantities of reagents, and do not effectively reduce the oxygen content of graphite oxide particles, limiting the production of reduced graphite oxide with high surface area and low energy decomposition.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the introduction of a graphite oxide slurry into a chamber at temperatures greater than 300°C, where the oxidant content is reduced by more than 50% to produce reduced graphite oxide worm particles, utilizing a combination of sulfuric and nitric acids with a chlorate solution, and sparging with a gas to manage chlorine dioxide levels, allowing for simultaneous drying and reduction of graphite oxide particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If graphite oxide particles are produced by conventional oxidation methods, then graphite oxide is obtained, but the process requires extensive time and larger quantities of reagents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the oxidation process by using a chlorate solution with specific concentration ratios and controlling the water to acid ratio to be less than 0.43:1. These parameter optimizations enable faster reaction kinetics and reduced reagent quantities while maintaining effective graphite oxide production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous sparging of gas through the graphite mixture during the oxidation process to continuously remove chlorine dioxide as it forms. This continuous action prevents back-reactions and maintains driving force for the oxidation process, increasing overall productivity and reducing required reaction time
2Quantity of substance
If graphite oxide particles are produced by conventional methods, then oxidation occurs, but the oxygen content is not effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent effectively extracts and removes oxygen from graphite oxide particles through controlled thermal treatment at temperatures greater than 300°C. This extraction process reduces the oxygen content by more than 50% by weight, transforming graphite oxide into reduced graphite oxide with lower oxygen content and reduced decomposition energy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the drying and reduction steps into a single simultaneous process. By introducing the graphite oxide slurry into a chamber at temperatures greater than 300°C, both drying and reduction occur concurrently, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving effective oxygen removal
3Quantity of substance
If graphite oxide particles are thermally treated to reduce oxygen content, then reduced graphite oxide is produced, but the process requires high temperatures and extended time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary oxidation under optimized conditions to produce graphite oxide with controlled properties before thermal reduction. This preliminary preparation ensures that the subsequent thermal treatment at greater than 300°C is more efficient, requiring less energy and time to achieve the desired oxygen reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the thermal treatment parameters by conducting reduction at temperatures greater than 300°C (specifically 300-500°C range) rather than conventional higher temperatures. This parameter optimization reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective oxygen removal, achieving a balance between reduction effectiveness and energy efficiency
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 efficiently produces reduced graphite oxide worm particles with a high surface area and low oxygen content, reducing decomposition energy and enhancing production efficiency by minimizing reagent usage and reaction time.
Implementation Method 1
reducing the oxidant content of the graphite particles by greater than 50% by weight to produce reduced graphite oxide worm particles
Implementation Method 2
simultaneous drying and reduction of graphite oxide particles
Implementation Method 3
spraying comprises feeding into a spray nozzle a first stream comprising the graphite oxide particles and a second stream comprising an atomizing gas
Implementation Method 4
sparging the graphite mixture while feeding the chlorate solution into the graphite mixture
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Methods for the production of reduced graphene oxide worm (rGOW) particles. Graphite particles are placed in mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid. A supply of chlorate is provided to the graphite reaction mixture while it is agitated by a sparger. The resulting graphite oxide slurry is pumped to a tangential filtration system where it is purified and concentrated. The concentrated slurry is then fed to a high temperature spray dryer where it is simultaneously dried and chemically reduced to produce rGOW particles.