The use of pre- and post-chemical modification to prepare low-cost carbon fibres from electrospun Alberta oilsands asphaltenes

Asphaltenes represent a challenge to Alberta bitumen extraction, and a tremendous opportunity as a valueadded commodity in the production of new materials and technologies. Owing to their significant presence in bitumen and their propensity to aggregate, they decrease pipeline capacity and require costly flow additives. However, if asphaltenes were removed at source and converted into high-value carbon fibres, this would increase pipeline capacity and serve as a secondary revenue stream for the province of Alberta. This project by way of electrospinning seeks to convert asphaltenes into high-value carbon fibre that can be used in the development of green technologies.