Carbon microsphere production

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Production of mesophase carbon microballs 1. Types of mesophase carbon microballs When the small spheres present in mesophase pitch are separated from the pitch matrix to form micron-sized spherical carbon materials, they are referred to as mesophase carbon microballs (abbreviated as MCMB). MCMB is divided into three grades: the raw mesophase carbon microballs separated from the matrix are called green balls; those that have been heat-treated at around 1000°C are known as carbonized balls; and those subjected to treatment at temperatures of 2400°C to 3000°C or higher are referred to as graphitized balls. Different types of carbon microspheres have various applications; green balls can be used to produce high-strength and high-density carbon materials ； Carbided balls can be used to produce activated carbon with an ultra-high specific surface area ； Graphitized balls are used in lithium-ion battery cathode materials, among other applications. 2. Main applications of mesophase carbon microballs Mesophase carbon microballs possess excellent physical and chemical properties, such as chemical stability, thermal stability, and good electrical and thermal conductivity. It is an emerging carbon material with great potential for development and wide application prospects. The main applications include: the use of mesophase carbon microballs as negative electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries; their use in high-density and high-strength carbon materials; their use as fillers in high-performance liquid chromatography columns; their use in the production of activated carbon with a high specific surface area; and their use as catalyst carriers. At present, graphiteized spheres are primarily used as negative electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries. 3. The development of mesophase carbon microballs in China. Research on mesophase pitch carbon microballs in China began in the early 1990s, with efforts focused on universities and research institutions such as the Anshan Thermal Energy Research Institute, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Tianjin University, and Hunan University. In 2001, Shanghai Shanshan Technology and Tianjin Tiejongmei Chemical Co., Ltd. succeeded in achieving industrial-scale production of these microballs.