A relatively cheap coal conversion technology.

In a new study, scientists at the University of Wyoming created an environment in a microwave oven and successfully converted raw coal powder into nano-graphite. They do this by using copper foil, glass containers and traditional household microwave ovens.

The research provides a completely new method that can represent a simple and relatively inexpensive coal conversion technology. This method also provides a new way to convert abundant carbon sources into high-value materials with ecological and economic benefits.

The resulting nano graphite can be used as a lubricant and used in everything from fire extinguishers to lithium-ion batteries.

Past studies have shown that microwaves can be used to reduce the moisture content of coal and remove sulfur and other minerals. However, this method requires specific chemical pretreatment of the coal.

In this new study, the scientists simply grind the raw coal from the Powder River Basin into powder. Then they put the powder on copper foil and sealed it in a glass container containing a gas mixture of argon and hydrogen before putting it in the microwave.

Chris Massey, the lead author of the paper, said: "By cutting the copper foil into a fork shape, microwave radiation will produce sparks, which can generate extremely high temperatures exceeding 1800 degrees Fahrenheit in a few seconds. That's why you should not put metal The reason the fork is in the microwave."

"The sparks caused by microwaves generate the high temperatures required to convert coal powder into polycrystalline graphite. Copper foil and hydrogen also help this process."

Although the experiment includes microwave durations ranging from 3 to 45 minutes, the optimal duration is 15 minutes.

The scientists pointed out that “this new method of coal conversion can be improved and implemented on a larger scale to produce higher quality and quantity of nano-graphite materials.”

"The limited graphite reserves and the environmental issues of the graphite extraction process make this method of converting coal into graphite a good alternative source for graphite production."

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