Reaction Behavior of a Trace Element during the Pitch Pyrolysis Process

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Pitch pyrolysis is crucial for pitch coke performance and carbon anode reactivity.
• Understanding pyrolysis kinetics is key to optimizing carbon anode production.
• The influence of inorganic elements on pitch pyrolysis is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of pitch mass and pyrolysis rate on pitch pyrolysis.
• To examine the impact of Na, Ca, and Mg on pyrolysis kinetics and carbon anode reactivity.
• To establish a dynamic model for pitch pyrolysis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a self-made pyrolysis device to study pitch pyrolysis.
• Analyzed pyrolysis kinetics using small mass asphalt (SMP) and large mass asphalt (LMP) samples.
• Investigated the influence of Na, Ca, and Mg on pyrolysis and carbon anode reactivity.

Main Results:

• Pyrolysis of pitch on and within carbon anodes correlates with SMP and LMP kinetic data, respectively.
• SMP and LMP pyrolysis follow the same dynamic model with distinct activation energies (48.62 kJ/mol for SMP, 128.46 kJ/mol for LMP).
• Pitch mass, heating rate, and Na, Ca, Mg content significantly affect LMP pyrolysis, increasing activation energy and influencing coke yield and residual rate.

Conclusions:

• Pitch pyrolysis kinetics can be modeled using SMP and LMP data.
• Inorganic elements like Na, Ca, and Mg increase the apparent activation energy of pitch pyrolysis.
• Optimizing pitch pyrolysis conditions is essential for enhancing carbon anode performance and stability.