Coal Based CNT/CNF sample

Project Description

This project will develop high-value supercapacitor (SC) materials (i.e., carbon nanotubes (CNT) or carbon nanofibers (CNF) and functionalized porous carbon) from domestic coal in a cost-effective manner. This includes converting coal samples to high-performance SC materials at a laboratory scale, quantifying the performance of the developed materials in comparison with a baseline commercial material, and performing a technoeconomic analysis and technology gap assessment for the proposed technology. The developed materials will be extensively characterized, and the impact of the coal feedstock type and synthesis methods on the yield and quality of each product will be determined. The feasibility of producing coal-based SC materials with performance similar to commercial SC materials but at less than half the current cost of commercial materials will be evaluated.

Project Benefits

Conversion of coal and coal wastes (the carbonaceous solid portion of waste resulting from the cleaning of coal) into value-added products that are outside of traditional thermal and metallurgical markets can provide great societal benefits. These products can contribute to the U.S. gross domestic product while providing a stable and sizable market for U.S. coal and a path for utilizing coal wastes. The unique structure and composition of coal and coal waste make them well suited as a feedstock for various carbon products such as building materials, carbon fibers, carbon foams, and carbon nano-materials. Graphitic carbon can have electronic, mechanical, chemical, or surface properties that produce new classes of high-value carbon products or superior versions of existing high-value carbon products. The market value of these products exceeds the thermal and metallurgical values of coal, representing an opportunity to offer value to both manufacturers and consumers of coal-derived carbon products.

To achieve the greatest impact for all Americans, it is critical that funded projects invest in America’s workforce, mitigate new impacts, and deliver benefits to our communities. A Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Plan will be incorporated throughout the life of the project. The DEIA plan will describe the actions that will be taken to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment, support people from underrepresented groups in STEM and/or applicable workforces, advance equity, and encourage the inclusion of individuals from these groups in the project. In addition to the DEIA plan, Energy and Environmental Justice (EEJ), Justice 40 Initiative (J40), and Quality Jobs progress and outcomes will be monitored throughout the project.

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