Catalytic effect of praseodymium oxide additive on the microstructure and electrical property of graphite anode

Abstract

Based on the revealed interactions (dissociation energy) between several typical metals (transition and rare-earth elements) and carbon atoms through the DFT quantum mechanics method, Pr can be predicted to possibly be a new potential catalyst. Indeed, Praseodymium oxide (Pr 6 O 11 ) was insightfully found to catalyze the graphitization more efficiently than the other selected additives. The effects of Pr 6 O 11 catalyst on the microstructure of the graphite anode were investigated by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and TEM. The results indicate that Pr 6 O 11 addition remarkably improves the formation of crystallites, thereby largely enhancing the electrical property of graphite anode. The graphite anode with a low electrical resistivity of 5.0 μΩ·m was successfully available by adding 3 wt. % Pr 6 O 11 at 2800 °C. Finally, the catalytic graphitization mechanism of rare-earth element was proposed based on the experimental results.

Catalytic Graphitization of Coal-Based Carbon Materials with Light Rare Earth Elements

“…Owing to the extensive application, coal-based needle coke and coal tar pitch were used as an aggregate and a binder, respectively. Detailed information on the sources and basic properties of the raw materials can be found in ref 15. The relevant additives (Ti, Fe, La, Ce, and Pr) were screened with a powder size of <50 μm.…”

“…To compare the effects of light rare earth elements on the microstructures and thermal property of graphite, a series of graphite samples with light rare earth elements were prepared via the typical process of artificial graphite production. As described in our previous study, 15 needle coke was used with the following size distribution: 1−2 mm, 12.5 wt %; 0.5−1 mm, 22.5 wt %; 0.15−0.5 mm, 30 wt %; 0.076− 0.15 mm, 25 wt %; and <0.076 mm, 10 wt %. It was mixed with coal tar pitch (23 wt %) and light rare earth additive (0−5 wt %) at 155 °C.…”

“…In our previous research, praseodymium oxide (Pr 6 O 11 ) additive was found to catalyze graphite anodes significantly. A graphite anode with a low electrical resistivity of 5.0 μΩ·m was successfully obtained by adding 3 wt % Pr 6 O 11 at 2800 °C.…”

“…In our previous research, 15 Besides, the effects of light rare earth elements on the crystalline size and thermal conductivity of graphite were also investigated.…”

Controlled synthesis of expanded mesocarbon microbeads (EMCMB) by H2SO4-HNO3-CrO3 oxidation for superior lithium-storage application

“…Graphite has a special layered structure (layer spacing of 0.3354 nm), where the layers are connected by weak Van der Waals forces [7]. This favorable structure enables the lithium ion to be embedded in the graphite layers without destroying their structures, forming a stable graphite intercalation compound [8].…”