A Comprehensive Laboratory Experiment on the Synthesis and Characterization of Sustainable Carbon Materials from Wastes

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Title: A Comprehensive Laboratory Experiment on the Synthesis and Characterization of Sustainable Carbon Materials from Wastes
Authors: Rafael G. Morais, Lucília S. Ribeiro (ORCID 0000-0003-0506-6183), José J. M. Órfão (ORCID 0000-0003-3098-8032), M. Fernando R. Pereira (ORCID 0000-0002-5447-2471)
Source: Journal of Chemical Education. 2025 102(12):5259-5268.
Availability: Division of Chemical Education, Inc. and ACS Publications Division of the American Chemical Society. 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 800-227-5558; Tel: 202-872-4600; e-mail: eic@jce.acs.org; Web site: http://pubs.acs.org/jchemeduc
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 10
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Laboratory Experiments, Wastes, Chemical Engineering, Science Instruction, Chemistry, Sustainability, College Science, Student Attitudes, Hands on Science, Undergraduate Students
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.5c00739
ISSN: 0021-9584
1938-1328
Abstract: This paper presents a learning laboratory experiment suitable for chemical engineering students of all graduation levels. The activity begins with hydrothermal carbonization to produce carbon-rich hydrochars from biomass precursors, which are then carbonized/activated to enhance porosity and surface area. The resulting materials are analyzed using different techniques to characterize their surface, textural and electrical properties and also their particle size, composition and thermal stability. The main goals of this activity were the development of technical competences in the synthesis and characterization of carbon materials, as well as personal competences like autonomy, teamwork, time management, work planning and communication skills, among others. Overall, the proposed pedagogical objectives were accomplished. The participating students were quite positive when asked about the utility and benefit of the work conducted and the learning outcomes. In contrast, nonparticipating students showed eagerness to participate in the future. Survey results show strong student support for hands-on experiments, particularly characterizing waste-derived porous materials. This practical approach is valuable for deepening understanding, enhancing career readiness, and fostering engagement with sustainability.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1499561
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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PubType: Academic Journal
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IllustrationInfo
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  Data: A Comprehensive Laboratory Experiment on the Synthesis and Characterization of Sustainable Carbon Materials from Wastes
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Rafael+G%2E+Morais%22">Rafael G. Morais</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Lucília+S%2E+Ribeiro%22">Lucília S. Ribeiro</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0506-6183">0000-0003-0506-6183</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22José+J%2E+M%2E+Órfão%22">José J. M. Órfão</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3098-8032">0000-0003-3098-8032</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22M%2E+Fernando+R%2E+Pereira%22">M. Fernando R. Pereira</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5447-2471">0000-0002-5447-2471</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Journal+of+Chemical+Education%22"><i>Journal of Chemical Education</i></searchLink>. 2025 102(12):5259-5268.
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  Data: Division of Chemical Education, Inc. and ACS Publications Division of the American Chemical Society. 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 800-227-5558; Tel: 202-872-4600; e-mail: eic@jce.acs.org; Web site: http://pubs.acs.org/jchemeduc
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  Data: 10
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  Data: 2025
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Higher+Education%22">Higher Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Postsecondary+Education%22">Postsecondary Education</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Laboratory+Experiments%22">Laboratory Experiments</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Wastes%22">Wastes</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Chemical+Engineering%22">Chemical Engineering</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Science+Instruction%22">Science Instruction</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Chemistry%22">Chemistry</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Sustainability%22">Sustainability</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22College+Science%22">College Science</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Attitudes%22">Student Attitudes</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Hands+on+Science%22">Hands on Science</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Undergraduate+Students%22">Undergraduate Students</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.5c00739
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  Data: 0021-9584<br />1938-1328
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: This paper presents a learning laboratory experiment suitable for chemical engineering students of all graduation levels. The activity begins with hydrothermal carbonization to produce carbon-rich hydrochars from biomass precursors, which are then carbonized/activated to enhance porosity and surface area. The resulting materials are analyzed using different techniques to characterize their surface, textural and electrical properties and also their particle size, composition and thermal stability. The main goals of this activity were the development of technical competences in the synthesis and characterization of carbon materials, as well as personal competences like autonomy, teamwork, time management, work planning and communication skills, among others. Overall, the proposed pedagogical objectives were accomplished. The participating students were quite positive when asked about the utility and benefit of the work conducted and the learning outcomes. In contrast, nonparticipating students showed eagerness to participate in the future. Survey results show strong student support for hands-on experiments, particularly characterizing waste-derived porous materials. This practical approach is valuable for deepening understanding, enhancing career readiness, and fostering engagement with sustainability.
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  Data: 2026
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  Data: EJ1499561
PLink https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=eric&AN=EJ1499561
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      – SubjectFull: Laboratory Experiments
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Wastes
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      – SubjectFull: Chemical Engineering
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      – TitleFull: A Comprehensive Laboratory Experiment on the Synthesis and Characterization of Sustainable Carbon Materials from Wastes
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