Functionalized Activated Carbon from Rubber Waste Pyrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for converting rubber waste into valuable products, such as functionalized activated carbon (AC), are not simple or cost-effective, and there is a need for an environmentally friendly approach to recycle rubber waste effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving pyrolysis of rubber waste in a crucible, followed by oxidation with nitric acid, and subsequent functionalization with 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloylglucose, to produce functionalized AC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple treatment steps (mechanical grinding, chemical treatment, thermal processing) are used to convert rubber waste, then the conversion completeness improves, but the process complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical grinding, chemical treatment, and thermal processing into an integrated multi-step process system. The rubber waste sequentially undergoes mechanical size reduction, chemical activation with zinc chloride and potassium hydroxide, and thermal treatment to produce functionalized activated carbon, achieving comprehensive conversion while managing process complexity through systematic integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by controlling temperature, pressure, and chemical concentrations at different process stages. Thermal processing occurs at elevated temperatures to activate the carbon structure, while chemical treatments use specific concentrations of activating agents to achieve optimal pore development and surface functionalization
2Productivity
If pyrolysis temperature is increased to improve product yield, then the liquid and gas output increase, but energy consumption increases and char yield decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes pyrolysis parameters by conducting thermal processing at controlled temperatures between 300-800°C with specific residence times. This parameter optimization balances char yield for activated carbon production with energy consumption, achieving effective rubber waste conversion without excessive energy input
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous pyrolysis processing where rubber waste is continuously heated and converted. The thermal treatment maintains sustained temperature conditions to ensure complete decomposition and maximize product yield while improving energy efficiency through continuous operation rather than batch processing
3Reliability
If conventional activation methods (zinc chloride, potassium hydroxide) are used to improve adsorption capacity, then the adsorption performance improves, but the process complexity and chemical usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses chemical activation with zinc chloride and potassium hydroxide at controlled concentrations and temperatures. This chemical treatment modifies the carbon surface structure to create active sites for adsorption, achieving enhanced adsorption capacity through controlled chemical parameter changes rather than complex physical processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical activation methods with chemical activation processes. Instead of using elaborate mechanical treatments to create pores and surface area, the invention uses chemical reagents that systematically modify the carbon structure to achieve the desired adsorption properties
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 effectively converts rubber waste into functionalized AC, enhancing its adsorption capacity and providing a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution for recycling rubber waste.
Implementation Method 1
pyrolyzing the rubber waste in a crucible by first heating the rubber waste to a first temperature in a range of 300° C.±10° C. and maintaining the first temperature for a period of 2 h±0.2 h to form a first residue, then second heating the first residue to a temperature in a range of 600° C.±50° C. and maintaining the second temperature for a period of 2 h±0.2 h to form a solid carbon
Implementation Method 2
oxidizing the solid carbon with nitric acid to form an oxidized product
Implementation Method 3
functionalizing the oxidized product with 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloylglucose in a mixture including the oxidized product, the 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloylglucose, water and ethanol, by heating the mixture in the presence of N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide to form a reaction product including the functionalized AC
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method for converting rubber waste to a functionalized activated carbon (AC). The method includes pyrolysis of waste/scrap tires to produce activated carbon; (ii) chemical activation of the activated carbon using an oxidizing agent; and (iii) and functionalization of the chemically activated carbon with 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloylglucose (pentagallic acid ester of glucose) to produce the AC. The method of the present disclosure converts waste-to-value-added products, thereby enhancing profitability by recycling the waste products. Such processes are the source of renewable energy (gas and oil) and valuable by-products.