[1PS-241]
우수논문발표상 응모자Light-Driven Carbonization of Waste Tires into Functional Carbon Supports for High-Performance Fuel Cells
발표자김현성 (중앙대학교)
연구책임자이영준 (한국과학기술원), 이창연 (중앙대학교)
Abstract
The global accumulation of waste tires, reaching 3 million tons annually, necessitates upcycling to transform resilient rubbers into high-value materials. This study reports a sustainable, "low-energy" carbonization strategy converting waste tires into mesoporous carbon frameworks via photothermal effects, replacing conventional furnace heating. To maximize photothermal efficiency, a liquid crystal (LC) composite with highly concentrated 2D nanomaterials was hybridized with pretreated tires, enabling ultrafast carbonization up to 1100°C within 10 seconds. The resulting framework served as a support for platinum (Pt), yielding a composite catalyst with electrochemical performance comparable to commercial Pt/C in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). This methodology marks a significant turning point in waste polymer upcycling, demonstrating a viable path for transforming discarded polymers into high-value functional materials via sustainable energy.