2025 - Sustainable Industrial Processing Summit
SIPS2025 Volume 5. Meyers Intl. Symp. / Composite
| Editors: | F. Kongoli, P. Assis, H.A.C. Lopera, S. Diaz, S.N. Monteiro, V.S. Candido |
| Publisher: | Flogen Star OUTREACH |
| Publication Year: | 2025 |
| Pages: | 316 pages |
| ISBN: | 978-1-998384-46-4 (CD) |
| ISSN: | 2291-1227 (Metals and Materials Processing in a Clean Environment Series) |
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THERMAL PLASMA GRAPHITIZATION OF PURIFIED ANTHRACITE FOR ADVANCED CARBON APPLICATIONS
Yong Hyun Lee1; Kyu-Hong Kyung1; Min-Ju Eum1; Hyo-Joon Shin1; Sun-Yong Choi2; Jeong-Mi Yeon2;1YEONGWOL INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION AGENCY, Yeongwol, South Korea; 2CHEORWON PLASMA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, Cheorwon, South Korea;
Type of Paper: Regular
Id Paper: 128
Topic: 18
Abstract:
The internalization of carbon materials has emerged as a critical strategic objective in response to the global demand for advanced functional materials in high-tech sectors such as secondary batteries, semiconductors, and aerospace [1]. Carbon-based materials, such as artificial graphite and graphene, are essential components in these industries. Although South Korea is heavily reliant on imported carbon materials, it possesses abundant anthracite reserves, especially in Gangwon Province. However, the domestic coal industry has declined since the 1989 coal rationalization policy, resulting in many abandoned mines. This situation underscores the urgent need to develop technologies that can convert underutilized domestic resources into high-value carbon materials.
This study investigates the feasibility of producing high-purity graphite from low-grade domestic anthracite through an integrated process combining froth flotation, chemical purification, and thermal plasma-based graphitization. This approach aims not only to reduce dependence on imported carbon sources but also to revitalize regional economies by utilizing abandoned coal resources.
High-grade and uniform refined anthracite was obtained through a floating process. As the result, the ash content was successfully reduced from 30% to 7%. The floated product was further refined through acid treatment, specifically using sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid, to remove residual mineral impurities such as silicates and metal oxides. This purification process yielded a high-purity carbon concentrate with a fixed carbon content of 99%, indicating that nearly all inorganic contaminants had been eliminated.
The purified anthracite was then graphitized using a dry thermal plasma process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the resulting material exhibited a graphitization degree of approximately 97%, characterized by sharp (002) peaks and decreased d-spacing, consistent with prior findings on anthracite-derived graphite structures [2]. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the structural transformation into graphitic carbon. These findings align with previous studies that demonstrated anthracite's ability to undergo structural reordering and crystallization into graphite under high-temperature conditions [3].
This research demonstrates that domestic anthracite, previously considered economically unviable, can be converted into a high-performance carbon material suitable for advanced industrial applications. The proposed approach offers a promising strategy for securing domestic carbon material supply chains and supports national goals of resource self-sufficiency and industrial innovation.