Production of sustainable graphene and its derivatives through flash joule heating: A systemic review

The goal of this critique is to examine the newer Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technique for the production of graphene and hydrogen to determine if either production method is sustainable. By conducting an in-depth evaluation into the FJH technique as well as other methods such as chemical vapor deposition, this review seeks to determine which is the most effective method. With high-voltage pulses, FJH can quickly transform waste materials rich in carbon, such as biomass and plastics, into superior quality graphene, while also producing hydrogen gas as a by-product. FJH has been estimated to use around 7.2 kJ/g of energy which is considerably lower than other methods, and it also has a higher scalability and a 90% lower carbon footprint than the classical methods and does not need as many costly catalysts and undergoes less energy demanding processes like electrolysis, which makes it more economically viable. Its usage has been extended to cover energy storage, hydrogen systems, and water purification. With such complex systems, there is bound to be variation in feedstock and defect control which can be solved using advanced AI/ML optimization and better pre-treatments. FJH is one step closer to achieving circular economy goals by turning waste products into materials of value, demonstrating the ability to mass produce hydrogen and graphene in an economical manner to aid in the ideal of a carbon–neutral energy future.