The present invention provides a method for preparation of porous hard-carbon nanostructures and applications thereof. Particularly, the present invention provides a the method for preparation of porous nano-carbon florets (NCF) comprising chemical vapour deposition of a carbon source on a silica-based template followed by removal of silica via alkali-mediated etching and spray coating of NCF over desired substrates. The resulting nano-carbon florets (NCF) finds application in light-heat conversion such as use of NCF in solar-thermal conversion for generating temperature in dry state as well as for evaporating water; use of NCF in solar-thermal conversion for bacteriocidal disinfection of water. The NCF of the present invention may also be utilized for heavy metal scavenging and wastewater remediation.
Figure (1) A) Top view of NCF-TC, NCF-FP and paper coloured with black marker (Right to left) [Inset: Schematic of NCF lamellae showing multiple internal reflection]. B) Side view of same samples showing their three dimensionality; (2) Versatile demonstrations with NCF coated on A) Terracotta Petri dish for large scale steam generation, B) Hollow Cu tubes for space heating (C) Inlet (black) and outlet (red) air temperatures under different flow rates using the NCFcoated hollow Cu tubes shown in B). Solar-thermal conversion efficiency of NCF coating under varying solar irradiance (1 sun - 5 sun) with respect to performance under 1 sun.
The technology addresses the need for better materials to clean heavy metals from water and to harness solar energy for heating and disinfecting water. Current methods aren't efficient, versatile, or environmentally friendly enough. This invention creates porous carbon materials that can effectively remove heavy metals and be used for solar-powered water heating and purification, providing a versatile and eco-friendly solution.
- Porous Hard-Carbon Nanostructures via CVD: Synthesizes precise, well-defined nanostructures using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS).
- Removal of Silica Template: Uses alkali-mediated etching to remove the silica template, resulting in high surface area and structurally intact porous hard-carbon nanostructures.
- Versatile Carbon Sources and Etching Solutions: Allows a variety of carbon sources (e.g., acetylene, methane) and etching solutions (e.g., NaOH, KOH) for flexible synthesis and optimization.
- Applications in Heavy Metal Scavenging and Solar-Thermal Conversion: Effective for removing heavy metals (e.g., Hg2+, Cd2+) from water and useful for solar-thermal applications like water evaporation and bactericidal disinfection.
- High Surface Area and Versatile Substrate Compatibility: Nanocarbon florets (NCF) with 850-1200 m2/g surface area can be spray-coated on various substrates (e.g., filter paper, terracotta, metal coils) for diverse applications.
- Fabrication: NCFs are synthesized via CVD on dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS), followed by alkali etching using NaOH/KOH to remove the silica, leaving behind porous carbon.
- Features: These NCFs possess high thermal stability, expanded d-spacing, large pore volume, and non-graphitizability.
- Deployment: Can be spray-coated on different substrates (filter paper, metal, terracotta).
- Demonstrations: Used to purify heavy-metal-contaminated water, evaporate water using solar energy, and disinfect using heat.
- Real-life Use Cases: Efficient solar-thermal water heaters, coated filters for metal removal, and air/water heating applications.
The technology has been granted a patent and is available for licensing.
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The invention contributes to public health by enabling removal of toxic heavy metals from contaminated water sources. It supports sustainable water purification and solar-based disinfection without relying on electricity or harmful chemicals. The method is environmentally friendly and adaptable for rural and urban use. By addressing clean water and energy needs, it helps improve quality of life in underserved communities.
- Heavy Metal Scavenging: Removes heavy metals from water sources like wastewater and industrial water.
- Solar-Thermal Conversion: Uses solar energy for water evaporation and disinfection, and generating heat in dry conditions.
- Adsorbent for Heavy Metal Removal: Effective in adsorbing heavy metals like Hg2+, Cd2+, and others from water.
- Material Coating: Applied on substrates for enhanced properties in filtration and catalysis.
- Environmental Remediation: Assists in cleaning up water and soil contaminated with pollutants.
- Industrial Water Treatment: Treats industrial wastewater to remove harmful contaminants.
- Catalysis and Chemical Reactions: Potential use in catalytic processes and chemical reactions.
Geography of IP
Type of IP
202121057013
460071