▎ 摘　　要

NOVELTY - Processing (M1) coal, comprises: subjecting raw coal to a liquefaction process effective to form a pitch resin; subjecting the pitch resin to a variable crystallinity spinning process effective to form raw fiber; subjecting the raw fiber to an oxygen stabilization process; and subjecting the stabilized fiber to a carbonization process effective to form a low thermal conductivity carbon fiber. USE - The method is useful for: processing coal; and capturing carbon dioxide (all claimed). ADVANTAGE - The method can produce affordable carbon fiber insulation for improving energy efficiency in a building environment as an alternative to fiber glass insulation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are also included for: (1) a direct air capture system comprising a voltage source and a coal-derived electroactive polymer in electrical communication with the voltage source, where the direct air capture system is configured to bind carbon dioxide to the coal-derived electroactive polymer when a voltage is applied to the coal-derived electroactive polymer; and (2) capturing (M2) carbon dioxide, comprising placing an electroactive polymer into a gaseous stream, where the gaseous stream includes carbon dioxide, applying a voltage to the electroactive polymer such that the carbon dioxide binds to the electroactive polymer, and reversing the polarity of the voltage applied to the electroactive polymer to release the carbon dioxide.