Process for converting a solid carbon source to graphite
AssigneesThe Regents of the University of California, The Penn State Research Foundation
InventorsReza Abbaschian, Steven Herrera, Dane Boysen, Hojong Kim
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention provides methods and apparatuses for converting a solid carbon source to graphite by precipitation from a molten metal (e.g., molten iron) as well as graphite prepared from the methods and apparatuses.
Claims25
A method for preparing graphite comprising:
- a) adding a solid carbon source to a molten metal to provide a solution that comprises dissolved carbon at a first temperature;
- b) reducing the temperature of all or part of the solution under conditions that allow graphite to form;
- and
- c) isolating the graphite.
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13-18. (canceled)
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An apparatus for converting a solid carbon source to a highly crystalline graphite, the apparatus comprising:
- a tube having a horizontal tube axis;
- a crucible having a horizontal crucible axis substantially aligned with the horizontal tube axis, the crucible having a first crucible end and a second crucible end, the crucible positioned substantially within the tube, and the crucible to hold a metal and the solid carbon source;
- and
- a heating unit to generate a temperature gradient along the horizontal crucible axis, the temperature gradient to decrease from the first crucible end to the second crucible end, the highly crystalline graphite to be produced at the second crucible end.
An apparatus for converting a solid carbon source to a highly crystalline graphite, the apparatus comprising:
- a reactor including a vessel and a carbon heating element, the vessel having a first input port to receive nitrogen and the carbon heating element to provide energy to liquify the solid carbon source, a second input port to receive the solid carbon source, and an output port to deliver nitrogen and the highly crystalline graphite, the vessel to hold a solid metal to be liquified;
- and
- a vessel heating unit to provide a temperature gradient within the vessel.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.