Create a Consortium and Develop Premium Carbon Products from Coal

Abstract

The objective of these projects was to investigate alternative technologies for non-fuel uses of coal. Special emphasis was placed on developing premium carbon products from coal-derived feedstocks. A total of 14 projects, which are the 2003 Research Projects, are reported herein. These projects were categorized into three overall objectives. They are:(1) To explore new applications for the use of anthracite in order to improve its marketability; (2) To effectively minimize environmental damage caused by mercury emissions, CO 2 emissions, and coal impounds; and (3) To continue to increase our understanding of coal properties and establish coal usage in non-fuel industries.Research was completed in laboratories throughout the United States. Most research was performed on a bench-scale level with the intent of scaling up if preliminary tests proved successful.These projects resulted in many potential applications for coal-derived feedstocks. These include:• Use of anthracite as a sorbent to capture CO 2 emissions • Use of anthracite-based carbon as a catalyst • Use of processed anthracite in carbon electrodes and carbon black • Use of raw coal refuse for producing activated carbon • Reusable PACs to recycle captured mercury • Use of combustion and gasification chars to capture mercury from coal-fired power plants • Development of a synthetic coal tar enamel • Use of alternative binder pitches in aluminum anodes • Use of Solvent Extracted Carbon Ore (SECO) to fuel a carbon fuel cell • Production of a low cost coal-derived turbostratic carbon powder for structural applications • Production of high-value carbon fibers and foams via the co-processing of a low-cost coal extract pitch with well-dispersed carbon nanotubes • Use of carbon from fly ash as metallurgical carbon • Production of bulk carbon fiber for concrete reinforcement • Characterizing coal solvent extraction processes Although some of the projects funded did not meet their original goals, the overall objectives of the CPCPC were completed as many new applications for coal-derived feedstocks have been researched. Future research in many of these areas is necessary before implementation into industry. Potential Application for Exfoliated Anthracite: Filler in CathodesThe Pennsylvania State University -Subcontract # 2486-TPSU-DOE-0350…………….19 Use of Coal Gasification and Combustion Chars for Mercury CaptureThe Pennsylvania State University -Subcontract # 2482-TPSU-DOE-0350…………….46 Binding Efficiency of Coal-Derived Binders Towards Anode ButtsThe EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe objective of these projects was to investigate alternative technologies for non-fuel uses of coal. Special emphasis was placed on developing premium carbon products from coal-derived feedstocks. A total of 14 projects, which are the 2003 Research Projects, are reported herein. These projects were categorized into three overall objectives. They are:(1) To explore new applications for the use of anthracite in order to improve its marketability; (2) To effectively minimize environmenta...