Graphite Anode and Cathode Materials
Battery Anode and Cathode Materials
Graphite is a popular material for both the anode and cathode in lithium-ion batteries. It is a relatively abundant, low-cost material that can hold a charge for a long time. It is also an eco-friendly option that can help reduce pollution caused by carbon emissions during battery production.
The anode is where the lithium ions are extracted from the battery’s electrolyte buffer to conduct energy through the external circuit. The anode material must be electrochemically active toward the oxidation reaction that will remove the lithium ions to make room for more lithium ions.
A variety of other anode materials are being studied as potential alternatives to graphite in batteries, including silicon, tin and alloyed materials. These alternatives have the potential to improve anode performance, safety, durability and cost.
The use of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles (EVs) has driven a growing interest in improving their operating temperature, safety, output power, durability and elimination of cobalt requirements. However, some concerns have been raised over the availability of anode material and EV battery costs.
One of the key challenges for EV batteries is how to produce an active anode from readily available, low-cost graphite. This is a major issue, particularly for carmakers that want to reduce their environmental footprint and reduce the amount of carbon emissions generated by their cars.
Currently, the majority of graphite anode capacity is in China. The automotive industry’s dependence on this supply chain is a concern as environmental, social and corporate governance considerations become increasingly important. This is a challenge that will need to be addressed before the industry can move forward with production of EV batteries.
