Computer simulation of carbonization and graphitization of coal
Chinonso Ugwumadu, R. J. Olson, Nicole L Smith, K. Nepal, Yahya Al-Majali, Jason Trembly, D. A. Drabold
Abstract
This study describes computer simulations of carbonization and graphite formation, including the effects of hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. We introduce a novel technique to simulate carbonization, 'Simulation of Thermal Emission of Atoms and Molecules (STEAM)', designed to elucidate volatile outgassing and density variations in the intermediate material during carbonization. The investigation analyzes the functional groups that endure through high-temperature carbonization and examines the graphitization processes in carbon-rich materials containing non-carbon impurity elements. The physical, vibrational, and electronic attributes of impure amorphous graphite are analyzed, and the impact of nitrogen on electronic conduction is investigated.