The 2002/2003 George D. Graffin Lectureship in Carbon Science and Engineering

Dr. Timothy D. Burchell
Leader, Carbon Materials Technology Group
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

"CARBON AND THE ENVIRONMENT: FRIEND OR FOE?"

The American Carbon Society supported by grants from the Asbury Graphite Mills, Inc., sponsors this lecture series in North American Universities in honor of George D. Graffin, a pioneer in the natural graphite industry. Each year the Society selects a lecturer who has made distinguished contributions to carbon science and engineering. The lecture is available to North American universities, by arrangement with the lecturer.

Abstract: Environmentalists no doubt view carbon as a threat. Carbon dioxide produced by the combustion of fossil fuels (coal, natural gas and oil) acts as a so-called greenhouse gas, and has raised concerns about possible global climate change! Moreover, recovering fossil fuels from the earth can cause widespread environmental damage through, for example, acid mine drainage, oil field fires, or oil tanker spills. However, carbon materials have much to offer in the area of environmental protection! Advanced high temperature graphite moderated reactors can displace fossil fuels as a source of energy and thus reduce atmospheric pollution. Novel adsorbent carbons can separate greenhouse gasses from fossil power plant emissions and prevent their release to the atmosphere. Advanced thermal management carbons will improve the efficiency of vehicles and industrial plant, reducing the amount of fossil fuels consumed.

This lecture discusses the development of novel carbon materials developed at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and highlights their use in environmental applications, or where they play a role in mitigating the consumption of fossil fuels. In each case the structure of the carbon is linked to the properties that make carbon attractive for that particular application.