US 12,344,528 B2
Method and system for converting raw coal powder into polycrystalline nano-graphite by metal-assisted microwave treatment
TeYu Chien, Laramie, WY (US)
Assigned to University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (US)
Filed by University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (US)
Filed on May 16, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/745,643.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/189,282, filed on May 17, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0363547 A1, Nov. 17, 2022
Int. Cl. C01B 32/205 (2017.01); B01J 6/00 (2006.01); C01G 3/02 (2006.01)
CPC C01B 32/205 (2017.08) [B01J 6/008 (2013.01); C01G 3/02 (2013.01); C01P 2002/82 (2013.01); C01P 2004/03 (2013.01); C01P 2004/04 (2013.01)] 22 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for converting a carbon source into a higher value material, the method comprising:
shaping a metal catalyst, wherein the shape of the metal catalyst has at least one point;
placing a carbon source onto the metal catalyst, wherein the carbon source is a carbon containing compound selected from the group consisting of coal, raw coal powder, peat, oil, diamond, carbonate sedimentary rocks, graphene oxide, methane clathrates, plastics, plastic powder, grind powder, carbon dioxide, food, insects, and waste;
sealing the carbon source and the metal catalyst inside a container;
microwaving the container, wherein the microwaving induces sparking at the at least one point of the metal catalyst, and wherein the microwaving increases the temperature inside of the sealed container;
converting the carbon source into a higher value material, wherein the higher value material comprises graphite;
cooling the metal catalyst; and
removing the higher value material from the metal catalyst.