Grant: Alliance Grants

Graphite is expected to surge in the forthcoming years, primarily driven by the growth of electric vehicles (EVs). Synthetic graphite (SG), produced by heating unsaturated carbon from petroleum to 2500 degrees Celsius, occupies the biggest anode material market due to its high quality. But the production of it leads to energy-intensive, pollution, high-cost, and time-consuming. It is significant to recall the values of natural graphite (NG) for reducing CO2 emissions, environmental footprint, and manufacturing cost. Together with the recycling of graphite, closing the loop of its lifecycle, we can claim battery technology approaches "cleaner".The goal of this proposal is to realize the green economy of natural graphite. The detailed objectives are: i) Manufacturing. Aiming at the comparable battery performance of SG, improve NG's quality to the battery-grade level with moderate and cost-competitive innovative methodologies (e.g., purification, spheroidization, and coating). ii) Fast-charging battery application. Enhancing the quality of NG to enable battery operation under extreme conditions (i.e., fast charging), represents a critical hurdle in the LIB's advance. Assess NG with physical characterizations and battery evaluations. iii) Recycling. Recovery of spent graphite to close its lifecycle in inventive, low-cost, environment-friendly ways (e.g., oxygen-free roasting, wet magnetic separation).This proposal aligns with the 2 partner's objectives of the development of natural sources, battery technology, and sustainable future. NPI and co-PI's research team will be more equitable, diverse, and inclusive (EDI), by proposing approaches with desired outcomes during the recruitment, training, and development opportunities, and inclusion. The success of the proposed research will enable Canada's essential role as a stable supplier in the global battery industry value chain and make a significant impact on Canada's environment.