Sustainable preparation of primary graphite for battery applications.

In connection with the ReGraph project that is about purification and regeneration of secondary graphite from spent LIBs, a research project addressing the purification and preparation of primary graphite for battery application is initiated within CAMM-CRM.

A key challenge in the rapidly expanding European battery value chain is the need for resource-efficient preparation of primary graphite as well as circular management of graphite from lithium-ion batteries. Graphite constitutes approximately 12–21 wt.% of lithium-ion batteries and is classified as a critical raw material by the EU, yet it is currently recovered only to a very limited extent.

Background

Graphite is the dominant anode material in LIBs and typically constitutes approximately 12–21 wt.% of a battery. With the electrification of the transport sector and the expansion of energy storage, the demand for battery-grade graphite is increasing rapidly.

Today, synthetic graphite is commonly used in LIBs due to its high purity and consistent properties. However, its production is highly energy-intensive and requires graphitization at temperatures of 2500–3000 °C, resulting in significant climate and environmental impact. Natural graphite represents a more resource-efficient alternative, provided that impurities can be effectively removed and that sufficient graphitic order can be achieved at lower energy consumption.

Purpose and goals

The overall objective of the project is to enable the use of primary natural graphite as a competitive anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) through effective purification and energy-efficient graphitization.

Specific objectives are to:

• Characterize impurity content and develop purification strategies for virgin natural graphite.
• Evaluate purification flowsheets suitable for battery-grade graphite.
• Investigate catalytic methods to enhance graphitization and reduce the required treatment temperature.
• Assess the electrochemical performance of treated natural graphite in coin cell tests.

Implementation

The project combines experimental and theoretical approaches within process metallurgy. Potential hydro- and pyrometallurgical purification methods are investigated, including leaching in different media with or without pre-treatment, as well as high-temperature treatments for impurity removal. Process conditions are systematically varied to identify resource- and energy-efficient processing routes capable of producing battery-grade graphite. Electrochemical performance is evaluated in coin cell tests, where different processing routes are compared under identical testing protocols.

Project results are disseminated through scientific publications and conference presentations, contributing to strengthened competence in sustainable processing of natural graphite for battery applications.

Project collaborations

Luleå University of Technology carries out the strategic project in close communication with industrial stakeholders holding graphite resources, such as Talga.