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

ABSTRACTMesophase 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 (Lc = 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 pitchfurfural extraction oiltwo-stage thermal treatmentquinoline insoluble substanceGC-MS AcknowledgementsThis work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant NO. 22008071].Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationFundingThis work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [22008071].Notes on contributorsMeiqi WeiMeiqi 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 ZhaRujun 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 WangJitong 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 LingHao 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.