Graphite Anode Suppliers and Alternative Graphite Anode Materials
graphite anode suppliers produce the carbonaceous filler used in lithium-ion battery cathodes. Typical application specific anode products include graphite rods that are extruded and baked in order to form the required high-density material that is crucial for improving Li-ion battery cycle life and performance. Graphite anode materials can be made from either natural or synthetic graphite depending on the battery chemistry.
Both natural and synthetic graphite are produced by heating petroleum coke feedstock in a graphitizing furnace, an energy intensive process that requires significant electricity. As a result, both types of graphite are subject to carbon dioxide emissions.
As the electrification of transport continues to accelerate, so too does the demand for graphite anode materials. A global shortage is in danger of arising and unless alternative production is rapidly brought online, EV manufacturers may be forced to source graphite from China alone, which is set to expand its battery capacity by more than 220% between now and 2030.
That is why a number of companies are working on alternative anode materials, with some progress reported. Battery materials manufacturer Novonix, for example, is in the advanced stages of developing a low-cost artificial graphite anode material to serve the needs of a wide range of demanding battery applications.
Another alternative anode material development project is being pursued by Stora Enso. The company is aiming to develop an anode material using hard carbon produced from lignin, a side stream from pulp production. The approach is based on existing side streams with low cost availability and is therefore scalable to significant volumes, according to Charged magazine.
