From Ore to Battery-Grade: Greener Flotation Chemistry for Natural Graphite

In this project, we will examine greener flotation chemical additives, similar to ingredients used in everyday products like soaps and shampoos, to help separate graphite from unwanted minerals in a process called flotation, where air bubbles carry graphite particles to the surface. Today’s flotation chemicals can be effective, but they are not always ideal from an environmental or process-robustness perspective. We will test bio-based frothers and depressants that can improve separation performance while reducing environmental impact. The research also examines what happens during grinding, when tiny amounts of metals and salts can dissolve into the process water and unexpectedly alter how particles behave. By combining advanced material characterization with flotation and purification experiments, we aim to create a more reliable pathway from ore to high-purity graphite, supporting cleaner production and stronger supply chains for critical materials.