Effect of two-stage thermal treatment on the reduction of quinoline-insoluble in Mesophase pitch

ABSTRACT

Mesophase pitch (MP) is an important carbon material precursor with excellent physical performance and has a wide application in new energy utilization field. However, the current preparation process leads to a high quinoline-insoluble (QI) content in the MP, limiting its application. Here, we use two-stage thermal treatment to slow the degree of polycondensation during the formation of the MP. The two-stage thermal treatment can facilitate the formation of MP and limit the generation of QI. Moreover, the low content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the liquid by-products indicates that the degree of thermal cracking of the feedstock becomes milder. The high content of cycloparaffins in gaseous by-products is due to the better polycondensation of the feedstock. Therefore, a wide area streamlined MP is prepared, which has a high mesophase content (96.8%), a low QI content (20.6%) and a good crystal structure (L_c = 57.37 Å, N = 17.64, n = 99.53). At last, a possible mechanism of MP sample formation is discussed, which will provide an insight in the optimization of MP preparation process.

KEYWORDS:

• Mesophase pitch
• furfural extraction oil
• two-stage thermal treatment
• quinoline insoluble substance
• GC-MS

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant NO. 22008071].

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [22008071].

Notes on contributors

Meiqi Wei

Meiqi Wei is a master's student in Chemical Engineering and Technology at East China University of Science and Technology. She graduated from Zhejiang University of Science and Technology with a bachelor degree in Safety Engineering. Her research interests include mesophase pitch, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and two-stage thermal treatment.

Rujun Zha

Rujun Zha holds the position of experimentalist within the College of Chemical Engineering at East China University of Science and Technology. He graduated with a Master degree in Chemical Engineering and Technology from East China University of Science and Technology. His research interests include colored binders and styrene butadiene styrene block polymer.

Jitong Wang

Jitong Wang is a full professor in the College of Chemical Engineering at East China University of Science and Technology. She graduated from East China University of Science and Technology with a PhD in Chemical Technology. Her areas of interest in research include 2D nanomaterials, energy storage systems, and functionalized carbon nanosheets.

Hao Ling

Hao Ling is a full professor in the College of Chemical Engineering at East China University of Science and Technology. He graduated from East China University of Science and Technology with a PhD in Chemical Technology. His research focuses on various fields, including divided-wall columns, deep processing of heavy oil, and asphalt modifier.