Synthesis of Few-Layer Graphene Sheets from Waste Expanded Polystyrene by Dense Fe Cluster Catalysis

Abstract

Graphene sheets have a vast number of potential applications due to their excellent properties. However, poor quality and harsh preparation conditions restrict their application. Here, few-layer graphene (FLG) sheet powder with high quality has been synthesized from waste expanded polystyrene (EPS) at low temperature by dense Fe cluster catalysis. The micron-sized FLG sheets comprising about three layers show high crystallinity and good electrical conductivity that are comparable to those of the shear-exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets. More than 70% carbon yield of FLG sheets from cheap EPS and their safe, controllable synthesis conditions make it easy to expand production. The catalytic formation mechanism of FLG sheets is studied.

Graphene/Graphene Derivatives from Coal, Biomass, and Wastes: Synthesis, Energy Applications, and Perspectives

“…Among the fiber components, lignin, cellulose, and hemicelluloses are the major constituents. , Typically, most agricultural wastes, wood-based materials, grasses, and forestry residues are lignocellulosic materials with highly branched aromatic polymeric structures, whereas, for the industrial waste-based precursors, they mainly comprise polymeric aromatic hydrocarbons like polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. These synthetic aromatic hydrocarbons are generally carbon-rich materials, which can be transformed into graphene derivatives with the help of suitable synthetic processes. ,, However, the preferred synthetic pathway for different waste-based materials is dependent upon their constituents as well as their chemical structures, which directly influence the nature of graphene derivatives. Therefore, it is essential for detailed knowledge about the waste-based precursor materials to achieve the desired graphene derivative through the suitably selected synthetic pathway.…”

“…With their structural benefits, these materials can be utilized as inexpensive, eco-friendly sources of graphene synthesis to obtain economically worthwhile graphene derivatives. − Apart from these biowaste materials, recycling waste precursors like plastic wastes, battery wastes, newspapers, industrial soot, waste papers, etc. are also utilized for the graphene synthesis processes. − These industrial wastes are generally detrimental to the environment as well as to human health. With the increasing generation of these waste materials, it has become a crucial task for their management. , Therefore, as a proper way of utilization of these undervalued waste materials, they can be used as inexpensive and unconventional precursors for large-scale graphene production processes.…”

Biodegradable composites of waste expanded polystyrene with modified neem oil for packaging applications

“…11 It is used as filler in road tarring, building constructions 12 and carbonaceous materials like graphene sheets. 13,14 Composite film of PS/wheat straw has been found to be biodegradable and suitable for green packaging applications. 15 Plasticizers are used to improve flexibility and processability of polymers.…”

“…Figure4(a) shows the XRD diffraction pattern of EPS, EVA and SEN(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20). EPS exhibits only a broad peak at 19.8 and EVA shows a sharp peak at 20.8 and a small peak at 22.8 .…”

Mesoporous Carbonaceous Material From Expanded Polystyrene and Bentonite for Instantaneous Degradation of Mixture of Dyes

“…Polystyrene can be converted into carbonaceous materials by different techniques [9]. EPS can be converted into activated carbon having high methane uptake capacity which shows good sorption properties due to the porous structure and high bulk density [10,11]. Co-pyrolysis of thermocol with biomass results in activated carbon whereas sacrificial loss of PS template yields hollow and spherical sludge carbon [12].…”