US 12,434,250 B2
Method of forming graphene quantum dots from coal
Alexander Azenkeng, Grand Forks, ND (US); and Jason D. Laumb, Grand Forks, ND (US)
Assigned to Energy & Environmental Research Center, Grand Forks, ND (US)
Filed by Energy and Environmental Research Center Foundation, Grand Forks, ND (US)
Filed on Mar. 12, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/602,454.
Application 18/602,454 is a continuation of application No. 17/445,870, filed on Aug. 25, 2021, granted, now 11,958,056.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/706,620, filed on Aug. 28, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2024/0269689 A1, Aug. 15, 2024
Int. Cl. B03B 9/00 (2006.01); B03B 7/00 (2006.01); B82Y 20/00 (2011.01); B82Y 40/00 (2011.01); C01B 32/184 (2017.01); C01B 32/194 (2017.01); C09K 11/65 (2006.01)
CPC B03B 9/005 (2013.01) [B03B 7/00 (2013.01); C01B 32/184 (2017.08); C01B 32/194 (2017.08); C09K 11/65 (2013.01); B82Y 20/00 (2013.01); B82Y 40/00 (2013.01); C01B 2204/02 (2013.01); C01B 2204/22 (2013.01); C01P 2004/64 (2013.01); C01P 2006/40 (2013.01); C01P 2006/60 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of forming a graphene quantum dot, the method comprising:
forming the graphene quantum dot from upgraded coal, wherein the upgraded coal has a lower oxygen concentration as compared to naturally-sourced coal used to form the upgraded coal, and wherein the upgraded coal comprises
an ash content of less than 5 wt %,
an oxygen concentration of 10 wt % to 25 wt %, and
a carbon concentration of 40 wt % to 75 wt %.