Researchers from Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology, in collaboration with international partners, have developed an innovative method to convert recovered carbon black (rCB) — a by-product of pyrolysis of end-of-life tires (ELTs) — into reduced graphene oxide (rGO). This sustainable approach offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional graphene production while supporting circular economy principles.

Using a modified Hummers' method followed by chemical reduction, the study successfully transformed rCB into rGO with improved surface area, porosity, and thermal stability. The results, confirmed through detailed material analysis techniques, demonstrate the viability of using ELT-derived rCB as a precursor for high-performance carbon materials used in electronics, coatings, and energy storage applications.

By repurposing materials derived from ELTs, the research not only supports the valorization of tire recycling outputs but also contributes to reducing reliance on virgin resources. The study represents a step forward in material science by promoting the integration of advanced recycling into the production of next-generation materials.

Learn more from the original study published in The Royal Society of Chemistry.