Graphite Anode for Li-Ion Batteries
Graphite anodes are critical for lithium-ion batteries, which supply power to our mobile phones, electric vehicles and energy storage systems. They are the heart of these rechargeable battery technologies, which use lithium ions that move from the negative electrode to the positive one during discharging and back again when charging.
Achieving high-rate and energy density requires superior anode materials. Graphite is a highly conductive material that allows for quick charge and discharge. However, the morphology of typical natural flake graphite is too coarse to be an ideal anode material for Li-ion batteries. Its large surface area consumes lithium ions, resulting in irreversible loss of capacity.
Researchers have explored silicon (Si) as an alternative to graphite anodes for lithium-ion batteries. This material has higher theoretical capacity and exhibits excellent cyclability. However, its low reversible capacity limits its practical application. Superior Graphite has optimized the morphology of its anode materials to reduce the surface area and maximize conductivity, which improves rate capability and energy density.
The company has also developed a unique process for graphite anode production. It uses a rapid mechanical pulverization technique to create nano-graphite particles of 10 to 300 nm, which are then coated onto copper foil with binder and conductive additives to form the active anode. The resulting battery anode has a fine structure that forces lithium atoms to find their fixed place within the lattice structure. This prevents the formation of a lithium dendrite that can shorten battery life and lead to cell failure. The technology is being utilized by several original equipment manufacturers, including US-based Tesla.
