The paper discusses a two step process for the simultaneous extraction of graphene quantum dots and chemicals such as trimethyl benzene derivatives, napthalene, aliphatic hydrocarbons (liquid fuels) and phenols. The two steps are sequential structure disruption by supercritical CO2 explosion followed by non-catalytic transfer hydrogenation in supercritical CO2. The second step requires a feed containing water, a hydrogen transfer agent, a polar modifier nad a phase transfer agent in addtion to the feed of the disrupted coal. Tests with bituminous coals from IL #5 and #6 seams show over 90 % cnversion of the organic fraction to either graphene or chemicalsThe graphene quantum dots ranged from 2 nm to 10 nm in diameter amd its yield ranged from 5% to 20 % depending on the process conditions. Similarly the class of chemicals extracted were found to be dependent on the feed composition in the second step. This research was made possible with partial funding from the Illinois Clean Coal Institute and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity/Office of Coal Development.

Two step process for extraction of graphene quantum dots and chemicals/fuels from coal

249th National Meeting (2015)

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