Metal-Assisted Microwave Treatment and Density Gradient Centrifuge Separation for converting Coal Materials into Graphite

The global decline in coal demand, driven by environmental concerns, has prompted research into alternative uses for coal. Graphite, as a high-value carbon materials a similar structure to coal molecules, provide a promising route to repurpose coal. This study investigates the conversion of coal into high-purity graphite using an innovative, low-cost, metal-assisted microwave treatment method along with the density gradient centrifuge (DGC) for purification sorting. The successful conversion method requires metal foils serve as catalyst to convert coal to graphite and serve as a sparking center for creating high temperatures under microwave illumination, reducing environment (Ar/H2), and coal materials. The performance of four catalytic metal foils (Nickel, Copper, Iron, and Cobalt) are tested. The impacts of the moisture and particle sizes of the coal materials on the conversion rate are discussed. DGC methods for purification after the conversion will be discussed. The perfection of this recipe is considered to have great impact on the global economy related to the coal communities.