Synthetic Pitch from Solvent Extraction of Coal as a Source for High-Quality Graphite

This work evaluates the potential for obtaining graphitizable precursors from domestically available coal as a possible solution to declining availability of high-quality and projected rapid growth driven by demand synthetic graphite in US. The graphitizability coal-derived pitch (Synpitch) obtained novel solvent extraction process is compared with commercially petroleum pitch. outlined this paper offers advantages lower temperature, pressure, hydrogen addition requirement. An upgraded (higher H/C) aromatic low quinoline insoluble (QI) ash content obtained. distinctions between pitches have been characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry. graphitized at 2500 °C X-ray diffraction transmission electron microscopy graphitic quality assessment. Synpitch showed larger crystallites (by over 50%) markedly better nanostructure commercial used study. structural differences are highlighted here explain significantly Synpitch.