Li Ion Graphite - A Key Component of Li-Ion Batteries
li ion graphite is one of the key components of lithium ion batteries, an energy storage system that revolutionized the world’s electric vehicle market. A li ion battery is made up of four basic parts: anode (negative electrode), cathode (positive electrode), electrolyte, and separator.
The anode is a key part of a battery and uses graphite to store and release lithium ions during charging and discharging. Graphite is an excellent conductor and its spaces within the crystal lattice allow for lithium ions to be inserted into the graphite in a process called intercalation.
Graphite is also used as a catalyst for hydrogen production, a key component of fuel cells. Graphite can be produced from coal, petroleum coke, or low-cost plant lignin.
Synthetic graphite is produced from a carbon precursor at very high temperatures using boron, phosphorus, and nitrogen additives. The anode material used in a lithium ion battery can be made from either natural or synthetic graphite.
Currently, almost all of the anode material for lithium ion batteries is produced in China. However, efforts are underway to reduce the dependency on China for battery anode production. This can be achieved in a number of ways, but isn’t going to happen overnight. Efforts are focused on making the supply chain localized, minimizing the need for foreign suppliers and reducing costs.
