Page 23 - Tree Line - North Carolina Forestry Association - Second Quarter 2021
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QHow is graphite typically created?
Natural graphite is mined from geographically constrained natural deposits and subsequently purified using a series of energy- and chemical-intensive processes. Purification of natural graphite typically involves toxic chemicals, which might cause damage to both public health and
the environment. Synthetic graphite is typically produced by processing low- sulfur petroleum distillation residues via a delayed coking operation at ~1,500 °C to form needle coke, which is then graphitized at ~2,500 °C for over a week. Currently, ~80% of graphite comes from mining and ~20% comes from petroleum residue.
QWhy/how are you using loblolly pine to create graphite, and what are the
benefits of using loblolly instead of traditional materials?
The reason we chose loblolly is that number one, it is abundant in our local area around NCSU; and number two, it is a reasonably consistent material in terms of its chemistry, which makes it a great material for mature development.
QWhat is the goal of your research into graphite from loblolly pine, and why
is it important?
The goal of graphite production from
loblolly pines is to compete with commercial graphite (natural and synthetic graphite). At this moment, the quality of graphite from loblolly pine is not as high as commercial graphite. However, we are hoping to develop technology and overcome the quality issue in the coming years.
QWhat are the main takeaways from your research?
My main research takeaway is the importance of moving away from a fossil- based economy. We want to develop environmentally sustainable technology to create a more robust bio-economy.
RESEARCH: A simple method for producing bio-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, W.J. Sagues, J. Yang, N. Monroe, S. Han, T. Vinzant, M. Yung, H. Jameel, M. Nimlos, S. Park. Green Chemistry, 22: 7093-7108 (2020). Publication Date: September 29, 2020. https:// doi.org/10.1039/D0GC02286A. Copyright © 2020 Royal Society of Chemistry
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N.C. Registered Forester No. 1655 NC Certified Prescribe Burner #313 S.C. Registered Forester No. 1794 SC Prescribed Fire Manager #899 Society of American Foresters
Contributing member of NCSU Cooperative Tree Improvement Program
(910)610-5841
ncforestry.org / SECOND QUARTER 2021 21
