SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING GRAPHITE
In various examples, the subject matter of this disclosure relates to methods and systems for producing graphite. An example method includes: obtaining biochar; forming the biochar into a pellet; immersing the pellet and an anode in a molten salt electrolyte; and applying a voltage difference across the pellet and the anode to form graphite.
1 . A method of producing graphite from biochar, the method comprising:
obtaining biochar;
forming the biochar into a pellet;
immersing the pellet and an anode in a molten salt electrolyte; and
applying a voltage difference across the pellet and the anode to form graphite.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein obtaining the biochar comprises cleaning the biochar in an acid wash process to remove impurities.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the molten salt electrolyte includes calcium chloride.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein forming the biochar into the pellet comprises mixing the biochar with a binder.
5 . The method of claim 4 , wherein the binder includes bio-oil.
6 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
removing the graphite from the molten salt electrolyte; and
washing the graphite to remove salt.
7 . A system for producing graphite from biochar, the system comprising:
a reactor vessel containing a molten salt;
an anode disposed in the molten salt;
a cathode disposed in the molten salt and comprising biochar; and
a power source for applying a voltage across the anode and the cathode, wherein the applied voltage drives an electrolysis reaction that produces graphite.
8 . The system of claim 7 , wherein the biochar has been cleaned in an acid wash process to remove impurities.
9 . The system of claim 7 , wherein the molten salt includes calcium chloride.
10 . The system of claim 7 , wherein the cathode comprises the biochar mixed with a binder.
11 . The system of claim 10 , wherein the binder includes bio-oil.
12 . The system of claim 7 , further comprising a washing device for washing the graphite to remove salt.
13 . A method of producing graphite, the method comprising:
providing a carbon source;
providing bio-oil;
forming a mixture of the carbon source and the bio-oil; and
heating the mixture to produce graphite.
14 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the carbon source comprises at least one of amorphous carbon, pet coke, or calcined coke.
15 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the bio-oil has a water content less than about 5% by mass, a carbon content of at least about 70% by mass, and a viscosity at room temperature from about 200 cSt to about 300 cSt.
16 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the mixture comprises silica.
17 . A system for producing graphite, the system comprising:
a carbon source;
a source of bio-oil;
a mixing device for forming a mixture of the carbon source and the bio-oil; and
a heating device for heating the mixture to produce graphite.
18 . The system of claim 17 , wherein the carbon source comprises at least one of amorphous carbon, pet coke, or calcined coke.
19 . The system of claim 17 , wherein the bio-oil has a water content less than about 5% by mass, a carbon content of at least about 70% by mass, and a viscosity at room temperature from about 200 cSt to about 300 cSt.
20 . The system of claim 17 , wherein the mixture comprises silica.