Green River Star -

GILLETTE – A research team at the University of Wyoming has found a way to use a microwave to turn coal into graphite.

Using copper foil, glass containers and a conventional household microwave oven, UW researchers have demonstrated that pulverized coal powder can be converted into higher-value nano-graphite.

“This method provides a new route to convert abundant carbon sources to high-value materials with ecological and economic benefits,” the research team wrote.

Nano-graphite is used as a lubricant and other items like fire extinguishers and lithium ion batteries.

Previous research...