Promoting the systematic utilization of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) through waste asphalt-derived carbon in batteries applications

The current recycling efficiency of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) remains low, leading to significant non-renewable resource wastage. Herein, we proposed a method for utilizing RAP based on the aging characteristics of waste asphalt, which separates RAP into two parts: waste asphalt and aggregate. The separated aggregate can be reused for road construction, and the separated asphalt is converted into the negative electrode material of lithium-ion battery after oxygen enrichment treatment and carbonization. In the process of carbonization, the waste asphalt formed a three-dimensional porous carbon structure and C-O configuration suitable for lithium storage under the effect of oxygen elements. This carbon material exhibits a specific capacity of ∼ 645 mAh g–1 at 0.1 A g–1 current density, while the capacity remains ∼ 97 % after 800 cycles at 0.2 A g–1. The DFT calculation results demonstrate the enhanced adsorption of Li-ion near the C-O configuration, which further proves the beneficial effect of oxygen incorporation. By efficiently separating aggregate from waste asphalt, this study explores favorable conditions for waste asphalt utilization, enhances RAP reuse efficiency, and provides dual benefits in terms of energy conservation and environmental protection.