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Licht G, Hofstetter K, Licht S. Buckypaper made with carbon nanotubes derived from CO 2. RSC Adv 2024; 14:27187-27195. [PMID: 39193298 PMCID: PMC11348762 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra04358h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Unusual buckypapers, sheets of graphene nanocarbons (GNCs) such as carbon nanotubes, were formed with GNCs directly derived from CO2 via molten carbonate electrolysis. Examples are presented for buckypapers made from CO2 using either crushed or chemically washed GNCs, epoxy-infused CNTs, or GNCs pressed directly using a hot electrolyte to remove excess electrolyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gad Licht
- Direct Air Capture LLC, A4 188 Triple Diamond Blvd North Venice FL 34275 USA
| | | | - Stuart Licht
- Direct Air Capture LLC, A4 188 Triple Diamond Blvd North Venice FL 34275 USA
- Carbon Corp 1035 26 St NE Calgary AB T2A 6K8 Canada
- Dept. of Chemistry, George Washington University Washington DC 20052 USA
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2
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Zhu F, Ge J, Gao Y, Li S, Chen Y, Tu J, Wang M, Jiao S. Molten salt electro-preparation of graphitic carbons. EXPLORATION (BEIJING, CHINA) 2023; 3:20210186. [PMID: 37323618 PMCID: PMC10191008 DOI: 10.1002/exp.20210186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Graphite has been used in a wide range of applications since the discovery due to its great chemical stability, excellent electrical conductivity, availability, and ease of processing. However, the synthesis of graphite materials still remains energy-intensive as they are usually produced through a high-temperature treatment (>3000°C). Herein, we introduce a molten salt electrochemical approach utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2) or amorphous carbons as raw precursors for graphite synthesis. With the assistance of molten salts, the processes can be conducted at moderate temperatures (700-850°C). The mechanisms of the electrochemical conversion of CO2 and amorphous carbons into graphitic materials are presented. Furthermore, the factors that affect the graphitization degree of the prepared graphitic products, such as molten salt composition, working temperature, cell voltage, additives, and electrodes, are discussed. The energy storage applications of these graphitic carbons in batteries and supercapacitors are also summarized. Moreover, the energy consumption and cost estimation of the processes are reviewed, which provides perspectives on the large-scale synthesis of graphitic carbons using this molten salt electrochemical strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced MetallurgyUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Recycling and Extraction of MetalsUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijingChina
| | - Jianbang Ge
- School of Metallurgical and Ecological EngineeringUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijingChina
| | - Yang Gao
- School of Metallurgical and Ecological EngineeringUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijingChina
| | - Shijie Li
- Institute of Advanced Structure TechnologyBeijing Institute of TechnologyBeijingChina
| | - Yunfei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced MetallurgyUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Recycling and Extraction of MetalsUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijingChina
| | - Jiguo Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced MetallurgyUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Recycling and Extraction of MetalsUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijingChina
| | - Mingyong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced MetallurgyUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Recycling and Extraction of MetalsUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijingChina
| | - Shuqiang Jiao
- School of Metallurgical and Ecological EngineeringUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced MetallurgyUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Recycling and Extraction of MetalsUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijingChina
- Institute of Advanced Structure TechnologyBeijing Institute of TechnologyBeijingChina
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3
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Kim C, Yoo CJ, Oh HS, Min BK, Lee U. Review of carbon dioxide utilization technologies and their potential for industrial application. J CO2 UTIL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2022.102239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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4
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Qiao Z, Zhao L, Li N, Zhang J, Zhao K, Ji D, Ji D, Yuan D, Li Z, Wu H. Highly Efficient and Environmental-Friendly Separation and Purification of Carbon Nanotubes from Molten Salt via Ultrasound-Assisted Carbonation. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2022.122630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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5
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Marin D, Marchesan S. Carbon Graphitization: Towards Greener Alternatives to Develop Nanomaterials for Targeted Drug Delivery. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1320. [PMID: 35740342 PMCID: PMC9220131 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbon nanomaterials have attracted great interest for their unique physico-chemical properties for various applications, including medicine and, in particular, drug delivery, to solve the most challenging unmet clinical needs. Graphitization is a process that has become very popular for their production or modification. However, traditional conditions are energy-demanding; thus, recent efforts have been devoted to the development of greener routes that require lower temperatures or that use waste or byproducts as a carbon source in order to be more sustainable. In this concise review, we analyze the progress made in the last five years in this area, as well as in their development as drug delivery agents, focusing on active targeting, and conclude with a perspective on the future of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
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6
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Dlamini N, Mukaya HE, Nkazi D. Carbon-based nanomaterials production from environmental pollutant byproducts: A Review. J CO2 UTIL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2022.101953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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7
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Preparation and characterization of Ni/Al2O3 for carbon nanofiber fabrication from CO2 hydrogenation. Catal Today 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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8
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Sharma K, Park YK, Nadda AK, Banerjee P, Singh P, Raizada P, Banat F, Bharath G, Jeong SM, Lam SS. Emerging chemo-biocatalytic routes for valorization of major greenhouse gases (GHG) into industrial products: A comprehensive review. J IND ENG CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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9
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Controlled Transition Metal Nucleated Growth of Carbon Nanotubes by Molten Electrolysis of CO2. Catalysts 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/catal12020137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The electrolysis of CO2 in molten carbonate has been introduced as an alternative mechanism to synthesize carbon nanomaterials inexpensively at high yield. Until recently, CO2 was thought to be unreactive, making its removal a challenge. CO2 is the main cause of anthropogenic global warming and its utilization and transformation into a stable, valuable material provides an incentivized pathway to mitigate climate change. This study focuses on controlled electrochemical conditions in molten lithium carbonate to split CO2 absorbed from the atmosphere into carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and into various macroscopic assemblies of CNTs, which may be useful for nano-filtration. Different CNT morphologies were prepared electrochemically by variation of the anode and cathode composition and architecture, variation of the electrolyte composition pre-electrolysis processing, and variation of the current application and current density. Individual CNT morphologies’ structures and the CNT molten carbonate growth mechanisms are explored using SEM (scanning electron microscopy), TEM (transmission electron micrsocopy), HAADF (high angle annular dark field), EDX (energy dispersive xray), X-ray diffraction), and Raman methods. The principle commercial technology for CNT production had been chemical vapor deposition, which is an order of magnitude more expensive, generally requires metallo-organics, rather than CO2 as reactants, and can be highly energy and CO2 emission intensive (carries a high carbon positive, rather than negative, footprint).
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Abstract
This study describes a world of new carbon “fullerene” allotropes that may be synthesized by molten carbonate electrolysis using greenhouse CO2 as the reactant. Beyond the world of conventional diamond, graphite and buckyballs, a vast array of unique nanocarbon structures exist. Until recently, CO2 was thought to be unreactive. Here, we show that CO2 can be transformed into distinct nano-bamboo, nano-pearl, nano-dragon, solid and hollow nano-onion, nano-tree, nano-rod, nano-belt and nano-flower morphologies of carbon. The capability to produce these allotropes at high purity by a straightforward electrolysis, analogous to aluminum production splitting of aluminum oxide, but instead nanocarbon production by splitting CO2, opens an array of inexpensive unique materials with exciting new high strength, electrical and thermal conductivity, flexibility, charge storage, lubricant and robustness properties. Commercial production technology of nanocarbons had been chemical vapor deposition, which is ten-fold more expensive, generally requires metallo-organics reactants and has a highly carbon-positive rather than carbon-negative footprint. Different nanocarbon structures were prepared electrochemically by variation of anode and cathode composition and architecture, electrolyte composition, pre-electrolysis processing and current ramping and current density. Individual allotrope structures and initial growth mechanisms are explored by SEM, TEM, HAADF EDX, XRD and Raman spectroscopy.
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11
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Centi G, Perathoner S, Papanikolaou G. Plasma assisted CO2 splitting to carbon and oxygen: A concept review analysis. J CO2 UTIL 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcou.2021.101775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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12
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Wang P, Wang M, Lu J. Electrochemical conversion of CO 2 into value-added carbon with desirable structures via molten carbonates electrolysis. RSC Adv 2021; 11:28535-28541. [PMID: 35478554 PMCID: PMC9038070 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra03890g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct conversion of CO2 to high value-added carbon products based on molten salt electrochemistry has been proven to be a feasible approach to solve the climate problem and achieve carbon neutrality. In this work, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon spheres (CSs) and honeycomb carbon are synthesized by electrolysis of a single or multiple alkali metal carbonate electrolyte. The elemental composition, morphology and structure, crystallinity and graphitization degree of carbon products are characterized by electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman microspectroscopy (RAM). The results demonstrate that a high yield of CNTs is obtained in Li2CO3 electrolyte by regulating the electrolysis temperature and current density. Compared to pure Li2CO3, Li-Na carbonate electrolyte with 1 wt% stannic oxide/cerium oxide (SnO2/GeO2) favors CS formation rather than CNT formation. Additionally, honeycomb carbon products are generated in Li-Na-K electrolyte, when the electrolysis temperature is lower than 600 °C. Overall, this work provides a novel carbon neutral strategy where high value-added carbon products are synthesized using CO2 as a carbon source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Wang
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Oil & Gas Chemical Technology, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University Daqing 163318 China
| | - Mingzhi Wang
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Oil & Gas Chemical Technology, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University Daqing 163318 China
| | - Jianqiao Lu
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Oil & Gas Chemical Technology, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University Daqing 163318 China
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13
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The Review of Carbon Capture-Storage Technologies and Developing Fuel Cells for Enhancing Utilization. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14164978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The amount of CO2 released in the atmosphere has been at a continuous surge in the last decade, and in order to protect the environment from global warming, it is necessary to employ techniques like carbon capture. Developing technologies like Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage aims at mitigating the CO2 content from the air we breathe and has garnered immense research attention. In this review, the authors have aimed to discuss the various technologies that are being used to capture the CO2 from the atmosphere, store it and further utilize it. For utilization, researchers have developed alternatives to make profits from CO2 by converting it into an asset. The development of newer fuel cells that consume CO2 in exchange for electrical power to drive the industries and produce valuable hydrocarbons in the form of fuel has paved the path for more research in the field of carbon utilization. The primary focus on the article is to inspect the environmental and economic feasibility of novel technologies such as fuel cells, different electrochemical processes, and the integration of artificial intelligence and data science in them, which are designed for mitigating the percentage of CO2 in the air.
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14
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Halilu A, Hayyan M, Aroua MK, Yusoff R, Hizaddin HF. Mechanistic insights into carbon dioxide utilization by superoxide ion generated electrochemically in ionic liquid electrolyte. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:1114-1126. [PMID: 33346756 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp04903d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the reaction mechanism that controls the one-electron electrochemical reduction of oxygen is essential for sustainable use of the superoxide ion (O2˙-) during CO2 conversion. Here, stable generation of O2˙- in butyltrimethylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [BMAmm+][TFSI-] ionic liquid (IL) was first detected at -0.823 V vs. Ag/AgCl using cyclic voltammetry (CV). The charge transfer coefficient associated with the process was ∼0.503. It was determined that [BMAmm+][TFSI-] is a task-specific IL with a large negative isovalue surface density accrued from the [BMAmm+] cation with negatively charged C(sp2) and C(sp3). Consequently, [BMAmm+][TFSI-] is less susceptible to the nucleophilic effect of O2˙- because only 8.4% O2˙- decay was recorded from 3 h long-term stability analysis. The CV analysis also detected that O2˙- mediated CO2 conversion in [BMAmm+][TFSI-] at -0.806 V vs. Ag/AgCl as seen by the disappearance of the oxidative faradaic current of O2˙-. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) detected the mechanism of O2˙- generation and CO2 conversion in [BMAmm+][TFSI-] for the first time. The EIS parameters in O2 saturated [BMAmm+][TFSI-] were different from those detected in O2/CO2 saturated [BMAmm+][TFSI-] or CO2 saturated [BMAmm+][TFSI-]. This was rationalized to be due to the formation of a [BMAmm+][TFSI-] film on the GC electrode, creating a 2.031 × 10-9 μF cm-2 double-layer capacitance (CDL). Therefore, during the O2˙- generation and CO2 utilization in [BMAmm+][TFSI-], the CDL increased to 5.897 μF cm-2 and 7.763 μF cm-2, respectively. The CO2 in [BMAmm+][TFSI-] was found to be highly unlikely to be electrochemically converted due to the high charge transfer resistance of 6.86 × 1018 kΩ. Subsequently, O2˙- directly mediated the CO2 conversion through a nucleophilic addition reaction pathway. These results offer new and sustainable opportunities for utilizing CO2 by reactive oxygen species in ionic liquid media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Halilu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia. and University of Malaya Centre for Ionic Liquids (UMCiL), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Maan Hayyan
- University of Malaya Centre for Ionic Liquids (UMCiL), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia. and Chemical Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Muscat University, P. O. Box 550, Muscat, P.C. 130, Oman
| | - Mohamed Kheireddine Aroua
- Centre for Carbon Dioxide Capture and Utilization (CCDCU), School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. and Department of Engineering, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YW, UK
| | - Rozita Yusoff
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
| | - Hanee F Hizaddin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia. and University of Malaya Centre for Ionic Liquids (UMCiL), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
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One pot facile transformation of CO 2 to an unusual 3-D nano-scaffold morphology of carbon. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21518. [PMID: 33298989 PMCID: PMC7726567 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78258-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
An electrosynthesis is presented to transform CO2 into an unusual nano and micron dimensioned morphology of carbon, termed Carbon Nano-Scaffold (CNS) with wide a range of high surface area graphene potential usages including batteries, supercapacitors, compression devices, electromagnetic wave shielding and sensors. Current CNS value is over $323 per milligram. The morphology consists of a series of asymmetric 20 to 100 nm thick flat multilayer graphene platelets 2 to 20 µm long orthogonally oriented in a 3D neoplasticism-like geometry, and appears distinct from the honeycomb, foam, or balsa wood cell structures previously attributed to carbon scaffolds. The CNS synthesis splits CO2 by electrolysis in molten carbonate and has a carbon negative footprint. It is observed that transition metal nucleated, high yield growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is inhibited in electrolytes containing over 50 wt% of sodium or 30 wt% of potassium carbonate, or at electrolysis temperatures less than 700 °C. Here, it is found that a lower temperature of synthesis, lower concentrations of lithium carbonate, and higher current density promotes CNS growth while suppressing CNT growth. Electrolyte conditions of 50 wt% sodium carbonate relative to lithium carbonate at an electrolysis temperature of 670 °C produced over 80% of the CNS desired product at 85% faradaic efficiency with a Muntz brass cathode and an Inconel anode.
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Yu A, Ma G, Ren J, Peng P, Li FF. Sustainable Carbons and Fuels: Recent Advances of CO 2 Conversion in Molten Salts. CHEMSUSCHEM 2020; 13:6229-6245. [PMID: 33030250 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202002060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The massive release of the greenhouse gas CO2 has resulted in numerous environmental issues. In searching for advanced technologies for CO2 capture/conversions, recent advances in electrochemical reduction of CO2 in molten salts shed a light on potential solutions to CO2 mitigation. Electro-reduction of CO2 in molten salts exhibits features like high selectivity and efficiency towards sustainable carbons and fuels, low toxicity, and possibility to combine with in situ CO2 capture. In this Minireview, we highlight the tuning of the products in this process and mainly discuss two categories of electrolyte, carbonate-based molten salts (CMS) and those based on halides (HMS). Depending on the synthetic conditions, fuels such as CO or hydrocarbons (in the presence of hydrogen source, i. e., LiOH, NaOH, or KOH in the electrolyte) as well as high-value nanostructured carbons including carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, carbon nano-onions, and graphene can be obtained with high efficiency. The synthesis parameters are compared, and the applications of as-obtained carbons are briefly summarized. Additionally, some perspectives on this technology are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Guoming Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Jiawen Ren
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Ping Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
| | - Fang-Fang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
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Calcium metaborate induced thin walled carbon nanotube syntheses from CO 2 by molten carbonate electrolysis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15146. [PMID: 32934276 PMCID: PMC7493996 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71644-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An electrosynthesis is presented to transform the greenhouse gas CO2 into an unusually thin walled, smaller diameter morphology of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs). The transformation occurs at high yield and coulombic efficiency of the 4-electron CO2 reduction in a molten carbonate electrolyte. The electrosynthesis is driven by an unexpected synergy between calcium and metaborate. In a pure molten lithium carbonate electrolyte, thicker walled CNTs (100–160 nm diameter) are synthesized during a 4 h CO2 electrolysis at 0.1 A cm−2. At this low current density, CO2 without pre-concentration is directly absorbed by the air (direct air capture) to renew and sustain the carbonate electrolyte. The addition of 2 wt% Li2O to the electrolyte produces thinner, highly uniform (50–80 nm diameter) walled CNTs, consisting of ~ 75 concentric, cylindrical graphene walls. The product is produced at high yield (the cathode product consists of > 98% CNTs). It had previously been demonstrated that the addition of 5–10 wt% lithium metaborate to the lithium carbonate electrolyte boron dopes the CNTs increasing their electrical conductivity tenfold, and that the addition of calcium carbonate to a molten lithium carbonate supports the electrosynthesis of thinner walled CNTs, but at low yield (only ~ 15% of the product are CNTs). Here it is shown that the same electrolysis conditions, but with the addition of 7.7 wt% calcium metaborate to lithium carbonate, produces unusually thin walled CNTs uniform (22–42 nm diameter) CNTs consisting of ~ 25 concentric, cylindrical graphene walls at a high yield of > 90% CNTs.
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19
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Hughes MA, Allen JA, Donne SW. Optimized Electrolytic Carbon and Electrolyte Systems for Electrochemical Capacitors. ChemElectroChem 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.201901202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A. Hughes
- Discipline of ChemistryUniversity of Newcastle Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia
| | - Jessica A. Allen
- Discipline of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of Newcastle Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia
| | - Scott W. Donne
- Discipline of ChemistryUniversity of Newcastle Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia
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Ren J, Yu A, Peng P, Lefler M, Li FF, Licht S. Recent Advances in Solar Thermal Electrochemical Process (STEP) for Carbon Neutral Products and High Value Nanocarbons. Acc Chem Res 2019; 52:3177-3187. [PMID: 31697061 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.9b00405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Climate change represents one of the most important environmental issues of our time. Due to high levels of anthropogenic CO2 emissions, atmospheric CO2 has for the first time ever exceeded 415 ppm and has increased from 315 ppm in 1950. An annual increase in atmospheric CO2 of ∼2 ppm is equal to a net increase of ∼15.6 billion tons of CO2. The combustion of fossil fuels for electricity and transportation is still the main reason accounting for the CO2 accumulation. On the top of that, fossil fuels are widely used in our modern industry for the productions of indispensable social staples. For instance, the millennia old thermal reduction of iron ore by charcoal or baked coal (3C + 2Fe2O3 → 4Fe + 3CO2) continues as the main method for the production of iron. The artificial fertilizer ammonia boosts the global population and is mainly produced from the Haber-Bosch process, in which hydrogen is generated via steam reforming of methane (CH4 + 2H2O → 4H2 + CO2). Sequestration and diminution of CO2 require the development of a portfolio of technologies on (1) efficient and long-term harvesting of renewable energy, that is, solar, not only for electricity but also directly as the energy force in vital chemical processes, wherever possible, (2) carbon-neutral processes to replace current industrial processes that emit vast amounts of CO2, such as iron and ammonia production, and (3) new, low-cost technologies for CO2 capture and conversion with particular interests in the exploration of CO2 as the feedstock for fuels or other valuable chemicals and materials. To this end, we conducted some studies on the sustainable synthesis of ammonia and iron with net-zero CO2 emissions and large-scale CO2 capture and conversion into fuels and high value nanocarbon products via electrolysis in molten salt(s) with the introduction of the Solar Thermal Electrochemical Process (STEP). In STEP, solar UV-visible energy is focused on a photovoltaic device that generates the electricity to drive the electrolysis, while concurrently the solar thermal energy is focused on a second system to generate heat for the electrolysis cell. The utilization of the full spectrum of sunlight in STEP results in a higher solar energy efficiency than other solar conversion processes. STEP has been applied to conduct (1) CO2-free ammonia synthesis from nitrogen and water with the aid of nano-Fe2O3 in a molten hydroxide electrolyte, (2) CO2-free production of iron via electrochemical reduction of iron ore in molten carbonate, (3) CO2 capture and conversion into nanostructured carbon products as well as fuels in molten or mixed molten electrolytes, and (4) organic electrosynthesis of benzoic acid from benzene without overoxidizing into CO2. In this Account, we highlight some recent achievements in these topics and propose that using STEP is a highly efficient strategy for saving energy and, consequently, the environment. STEP is an ideal tool that can theoretically be applied to all endothermic reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mold Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P.R. China
| | - Ao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mold Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P.R. China
| | - Ping Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mold Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P.R. China
| | - Matthew Lefler
- Department of Chemistry, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20052, United States
| | - Fang-Fang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mold Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, P.R. China
| | - Stuart Licht
- Department of Chemistry, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20052, United States
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Hughes MA, Bennett RD, Allen JA, Donne SW. Physical characteristics of capacitive carbons derived from the electrolytic reduction of alkali metal carbonate molten salts. RSC Adv 2019; 9:36771-36787. [PMID: 35539033 PMCID: PMC9075116 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra05170h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbons have been synthesized through the reduction of molten carbonate systems under varied conditions. The mechanism and kinetics of carbon electrodeposition has been investigated. Carbon morphologies include amorphous, graphite-like, and spherical aggregate phases. Increased graphitic character is observed in carbons electrodeposited at more cathodic potentials, particularly at higher temperatures. Bonding has been investigated and oxygen functionalised sp2 and sp3 structures have been identified. The level of functionalization decreases in carbons with reduced amorphous and increased graphitic character. Thermal decomposition of electrodepositied carbons has been investigated and zero order kinetics have been identified. A relationship has been identified between elevated oxygen functionalization and increased pseudo-capacitance, with carbons deposited at 0.15 A cm-2 showing capacitances of 400 F g-1 in 0.5 M H2SO4 at sweep rates of 10 mV s-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Hughes
- Discipline of Chemistry, University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia
| | - Robert D Bennett
- CSIRO Energy Technology Research Way Clayton Victoria 3168 Australia
| | - Jessica A Allen
- School of Engineering, Priority Research Centre for Frontier Energy Technologies and Utilisation, University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia
| | - Scott W Donne
- Discipline of Chemistry, University of Newcastle Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia
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22
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Chen X, Zhao H, Xie H, Qu J, Ding X, Geng Y, Wang D, Yin H. Tuning the preferentially electrochemical growth of carbon at the “gaseous CO2-liquid molten salt-solid electrode” three-phase interline. Electrochim Acta 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2019.134852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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23
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Liu X, Li F, Peng P, Licht G, Licht S. Efficient Electrocatalytic Synthesis of Ammonia from Water and Air in a Membrane‐Free Cell: Confining the Iron Oxide Catalyst to the Cathode. Eur J Inorg Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.201900667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xinye Liu
- Department of Chemistry The George Washington University Washington DC 20052 USA
| | - Fang‐Fang Li
- Department of Chemistry The George Washington University Washington DC 20052 USA
| | - Ping Peng
- Department of Chemistry The George Washington University Washington DC 20052 USA
| | - Gad Licht
- Department of Chemistry The George Washington University Washington DC 20052 USA
| | - Stuart Licht
- Department of Chemistry The George Washington University Washington DC 20052 USA
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24
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Wang H, Fu Z, Lu W, Zhao Y, Hao R. Research on sulfur oxides and nitric oxides released from coal-fired flue gas and vehicle exhaust: a bibliometric analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:17821-17833. [PMID: 31037527 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05066-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
A bibliometric method was used to evaluate the global scientific publications about sulfur oxides and nitric oxides released by coal-fired flue gas and vehicle exhaust from 1995 to 2018 and to provide insights into the characteristics of the articles and tendencies that may exist in the publications. Performance of publications, research tendency, and hotspots were analyzed. The article number had an explosive growth in 2004 and, then, began to grow steadily. China had an absolutely advantage in publication quantities; however, America had a leading position considering publication cited times. The simultaneous removal of mercury, particulate matter, and CO2 was a research hotpot in sulfur oxide and nitric oxide control process; oxidation, absorption, and catalytic reduction were the central control methods that had the most strength in relation with sulfur dioxide and nitric oxide. Considering the study of traditional flue gas pollutant control method (limestone-gypsum method, selective catalytic reduction, etc.) was perfection, it was speculated that adsorption by ionic liquid, electricity charging, advanced oxidation progress, and multi-pollutant removal, simultaneously, would be the new research orientation in flue gas pollutant control. One of the hot points of controlling the vehicle exhaust was the application of the "green energy" biodiesel; lots of keywords concerning human health suggested that quite a lot studies were focused on the health hazard brought by sulfur oxides and nitric oxide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, 071003, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Zhenghui Fu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Wentao Lu
- Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, 071003, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Runlong Hao
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding, 071003, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China
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25
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Gao M, Deng B, Chen Z, Tao M, Wang D. Cathodic reaction kinetics for CO2 capture and utilization in molten carbonates at mild temperatures. Electrochem commun 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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26
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Johnson M, Ren J, Lefler M, Licht G, Vicini J, Licht S. Data on SEM, TEM and Raman Spectra of doped, and wool carbon nanotubes made directly from CO 2 by molten electrolysis. Data Brief 2017; 14:592-606. [PMID: 28879217 PMCID: PMC5573802 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2017.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This SEM, TEM and Raman Spectra and economic calculations data provides a benchmark for carbon nanotubes synthesized via molten electrolyte via the carbon dioxide to carbon nanotube (C2CNT) process useful for comparison to other data on longer length C2CNT wools; specifically: (I) C2CNT electrosynthesis with bare (uncoated) cathodes and without pre-electrolysis low current activation. (II) C2CNT Intermediate length CNTs with intermediate integrated electrolysis charge transfer. (III) C2CNT Admixing of sulfur, nitrogen and phosphorous (in addition to boron) to carbon nanotubes, and (IV) Scalability of the C2CNT process. This data presented in this article are related to the research article entitled “Carbon Nanotube Wools Made Directly from CO2 by Molten Electrolysis: Value Driven Pathways to Carbon Dioxide Greenhouse Gas Mitigation” (Johnson et al., 2017) [1].
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Affiliation(s)
- M Johnson
- Dept. of Chemistry, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20052, United States
| | - J Ren
- Dept. of Chemistry, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20052, United States
| | - M Lefler
- Dept. of Chemistry, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20052, United States
| | - G Licht
- Dept. of Chemistry, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20052, United States
| | - J Vicini
- Dept. of Chemistry, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20052, United States
| | - S Licht
- Dept. of Chemistry, George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20052, United States
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