Coal liquid-based high crystalline carbons for the synthesis of graphene-based composites (CoalPhenes) : final report

Coal liquids (i.e., coal tar and anthracene oil) were successfully used to prepare graphene materials. Impregnating tars and binder tars with various chemical compositions and various primary quinoline insoluble (QI) content were polymerized and transformed into a pitch, which was subsequently carbonized and graphitized to obtain coke and graphite. Similarly, anthracene oil was polymerized and transformed into coke and graphite with various optical textures. Graphene materials were prepared by a modified Hummers method followed by thermal exfoliation and thermal reduction at several temperatures (from 500 to 2700 °C). Graphene materials with various structure and properties were obtained. It was possible to tailor graphene materials according to their further application. N-enriched graphene materials were prepared by thermal exfoliation/reduction in ammonia and in the reaction of graphene oxide with nitrogen precursors under hydrothermal conditions. 3D-three dimensional CNF/rGO oxide composites were prepared by catalytic carbon vapour deposition using propane and a rGO-supported nickel catalyst. MnO₂/graphene hybrid materials were obtained using thermally reduced graphene oxides. These materials were tested as electrode for supercapacitors and anodes for Li-ion batteries. Polymer/graphene nanocomposites were produced using mechanical mixing and 3-roll milling. The resultant composites were fully characterised and their performance tested to determine the thermal contact resistance, a key measure for use in thermal interface materials. All samples produced retained compliance after incorporation of the graphene, and the measured thermal contact resistances of these composites were similar or lower than those of commercially available thermal interface materials.