Coal-Based Carbon Nanomaterials: En Route to Clean Coal Conversion toward Net Zero CO2

As the world is committed to reach carbon peak by 2030 and net zero by 2050, the use of coal as an energy source is facing unprecedented challenges. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global annual coal demand is estimated to drop from more than 5640 million tonnes of coal equivalent (Mtce) in 2021 to 540 Mtce in 2050 under the net zero emission scenario, mostly being replaced by renewable energy such as solar and wind. Therefore, the coal industry is vigorously seeking alternative applications to keep it thriving, and nanotechnology can be one of the contributors. Herein, the challenges to coal-based carbon nanomaterials syntheses are outlined, along with a path toward commercialization. Coal-based carbon nanomaterials can be promising contributors to the concept of clean coal conversion, initiating its migration from an energy source to a high-value-added carbon source.

Polymer Additives with Gas Barrier and Anti-Aging Properties Made from Asphaltenes via Supercritical Ethanol

Asphaltene is often regarded as an undesirable by-product of petroleum processing, possesses vast reserves with little market value. The typical routes of consuming asphaltene, namely burning and landfilling, pose significant environmental challenges. In this study, low-value asphaltene is converted into high-value ethylated carbon clusters (ECC) using a supercritical ethanol technique. The resulting ECC powder demonstrates promising properties for high density polyethylene (HDPE) composite applications. The effects of incorporating ECC on the mechanical, gas barrier, and anti-aging properties of the composite are investigated. Results show that a 1 wt.% ECC led to a 4.2% and 43.5% increase in tensile strength and elongation at break, a reduction of 45.8% and 30.7% in oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability. Furthermore, ECC exhibits effective UV spectrum absorption and conversion in the wavelength range of 400-600 nm, providing protection against UV spectrum damage to HDPE. The incorporation of ECC not only enhances the properties of polymer composites but also sequesters carbon within the polymer matrix, enabling the valorization of asphaltene while mitigating environmental impact.