A new process from researchers at Rice University can transform bulk quantities of just about any carbon source into valuable graphene flakes. The process is quick and cheap and the new technique can convert a ton of coal, food waste or plastic into graphene for a fraction of the cost used by other bulk graphene-producing methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flash graphene is made in 10 milliseconds by heating carbon-containing materials to 3,000 Kelvin (about 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit). The source material can be nearly anything with carbon content. Food waste, plastic waste, petroleum coke, coal, wood clippings and biochar are prime candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A concentration of as little as 0.1% of flash graphene in the cement used to bind concrete could lessen its\u00a0massive environmental impact\u00a0by a third. Production of cement reportedly emits as much as 8% of human-made carbon dioxide every year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a big deal, the world throws out 30% to 40% of all food, because it goes bad, and plastic waste is of worldwide concern. We\u2019ve\u00a0already proven\u00a0that any solid carbon-based matter, including mixed plastic waste and rubber tires, can be turned into graphene.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
By strengthening concrete with graphene, less concrete needs to be used for building, and it would cost less to manufacture and less to transport by trapping greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane that waste food would have emitted in landfills. Those carbons are being converted into graphene and added to concrete, thereby lowering the amount of carbon dioxide generated in concrete manufacture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Turning trash to treasure is key to the circular economy, graphene acts both as a 2D template and a reinforcing agent that controls cement hydration and subsequent strength development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n