Synthetic Graphite Powder and Graphite Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
synthetic graphite powder
Unlike natural graphite, synthetic graphite is manufactured by a high-temperature process using a carbon precursor (pitch or coke) and additives. Boron is one of the most common additives, enabling the graphitization process to occur at a lower temperature than would otherwise be possible without it.
Synthetic graphite has superior purity, thermal expansion, and thermal stability compared to natural graphite. This makes it a preferred choice for anodes in lithium-ion batteries.
Spherical Graphite Particles: Optimizing the Morphology of a Battery Anode
The morphology of graphite particles has a significant effect on anode performance. When a graphite anode has spherical particles, it can be more effectively packed and the overall conductivity is increased. The morphology of the particles also determines how well the anode will perform at high and low temperatures.
This is because spherical graphite has an optimized shape, which means that it can be more evenly distributed throughout the anode. This results in a more consistent conductivity and a higher capacity than a graphite anode that has unoptimized shape.
In addition, spherical graphite particles are less likely to agglomerate, which impacts the flowability of the anode. These spherical particles are also more stable, allowing for better coating properties and improved anode performance.
As the demand for graphite grows, manufacturers will need to ensure that they have access to a variety of quality sources. This can be done by quantifying the particle morphology of different graphite samples to optimize their slurry or dry processing methods and material handling.
