Methods and apparatuses for production of carbon, carbide electrodes, and carbon compositions

Abstract

Method comprising providing at least one solid carbide chemical compound and reducing a metal cation with use of the solid carbide chemical compound. A method comprising producing elemental carbon material from the oxidation of carbide in at least one carbide chemical compound (e.g., calcium carbide) in at least one anode of an electrochemical cell apparatus, such as a galvanic cell apparatus. The cathode can be a variety of metals such as zinc or tin. The reaction can be carried out at room temperature and normal pressure. An external voltage also can be applied, and different forms of carbon can be produced depending on the reactants used and voltage applied. For carrying out the method, an apparatus comprising at least one galvanic cell comprising: at least one anode comprising at least one carbide chemical compound, and at least one cathode. For carrying out the method and constructing the apparatus, an electrode structure comprising at least one carbide chemical compound, wherein the carbide chemical compound is a salt-like carbide; and at least one electronically conductive element different from the carbide. Carbon compositions of various forms are also prepared by the methods and apparatus and with use of the electrode structure. Large pieces of pure carbon can be produced. Post-reaction processing of the carbon can be carried out such as exfoliation.

1 . An electrode structure comprising at least one carbide chemical compound, wherein optionally the carbide chemical compound is a salt-like carbide; and at least one electronically conductive structural element different from the carbide chemical compound and contacting the at least one carbide chemical compound. 
     
     
         2 . The electrode structure of  claim 1 , wherein the carbide chemical compound is methanide, acetylide, or sesquicarbide. 
     
     
         3 . The electrode structure of  claim 1 , wherein the carbide chemical compound is calcium carbide, aluminum carbide, sodium carbide, magnesium carbide, lithium carbide, or beryllium carbide. 
     
     
         4 . The electrode structure of  claim 1 , wherein the carbide chemical compound is calcium carbide or aluminum carbide. 
     
     
         5 . The electrode structure of  claim 1 , wherein the carbide chemical compound has sufficient electronic conductivity to function as an anode. 
     
     
         6 . The electrode structure of  claim 1 , wherein the carbide chemical compound has an electronic conductivity of at least 10 −8  S/cm. 
     
     
         7 . The electrode structure of  claim 1 , wherein the carbide chemical compound is in the form of individual pieces or particles. 
     
     
         8 . The electrode structure of  claim 1 , wherein the carbide chemical compound is in the form of individual pieces or particles having a size of less than one cm. 
     
     
         9 . The electrode structure of  claim 1 , wherein the carbide chemical compound is in the form of individual pieces or particles having a size of at least one micron. 
     
     
         10 . The electrode structure of  claim 1 , wherein the carbide chemical compound is divided into separate portions which are each contacted with at least one electrically conductive structural element. 
     
     
         11 . The electrode structure of  claim 1 , wherein the carbide chemical compound is at least about 95% pure. 
     
     
         12 . The electrode structure of  claim 1 , wherein the electronically conductive structural element is a binder for the carbide chemical compound. 
     
     
         13 . The electrode structure of  claim 1 , wherein the electronically conductive structural element is a container and the carbide chemical compound is held in the container. 
     
     
         14 . The electrode structure of  claim 1 , wherein the electronically conductive structural element is a container and the carbide chemical compound is held in the container, and the container has openings which allow fluid to enter the container and contact the carbide chemical compound. 
     
     
         15 . The electrode structure of  claim 1 , wherein the electronically conductive structural element is a metallic container and the carbide chemical compound is held in the metallic container. 
     
     
         16 . The electrode structure of  claim 1 , wherein the electronically conductive structural element comprises at least one conductive rod. 
     
     
         17 . The electrode structure of  claim 1 , wherein the electrode structure is adapted to be removably attached to an apparatus. 
     
     
         18 . The electrode structure of  claim 1 , wherein the electronically conductive structural element of the electrode structure comprises at least one current collector. 
     
     
         19 . The electrode structure of  claim 1 , wherein the electrode structure is adapted for use as an anode in an electrochemical cell apparatus for production of an elemental carbon material. 
     
     
         20 . The electrode structure of  claim 1 , wherein the electrode structure is adapted for use as an anode in a galvanic cell apparatus for production of elemental carbon material.