Graphite and EV Batteries
Graphite is a natural mineral, found as a black or gray metallic powder with a greasy feel and a low specific gravity. It is used in various applications, including batteries, lubricants, brake linings and powdered metals.
The crystalline form of graphite occurs in nature when organic matter is metamorphosed, or transformed into carbon by heat and pressure. These processes often leave behind an organic residue, called coke, that can be used to produce synthetic graphite in a chemical process.
This coke is then subjected to a long process called pyrolysis, which is a heating and cooling process without air that turns the atoms of carbon into a solid state. The resulting solid is then sized, crushed and ground to obtain graphite powder.
Typically, this graphite powder is then used to raise the carbon content of molten steel, where it forms an electrode in the manufacture of electrically-powered batteries. It is also a dry lubricant and a material that can be used for writing and drawing.
In addition to its innate properties, the quality of a natural flake graphite can be enhanced by blending, doping and heat treatment. It is this quality that EV manufacturers pay for, as it can improve battery storage and longevity.
The world's leading exporter of natural flake graphite is China, which accounts for more than 80% of global supply. Several countries, including Australia, Canada and India, also mine graphite. However, there is a growing interest in North America, which has the largest reserves and is developing large-scale electric vehicle production.
