Grant: Alliance Grants

Graphite has multiple properties that are attractive to many industrial applications, including lithium-ion batteries where the anode has a relatively large amount of high purity (99.9%+) graphite. Considering lower safety and environmental risks, Canadian mining companies desiring to progress in the graphite value chain are exploring pyrometallurgical processes (up to 2800°C) that sublimate natural, or chemically converted (e.g., via chlorination), impurities in the graphite using renewable energy (e.g., hydroelectric). Fluidized beds, known to this industry for ore refining, can be adapted to purify mined/synthetic graphite via innovative electric resistive heating with in-situ electrodes. For greater commercial implementation, the technology requires reactor and electrodes geometrical optimization along with better knowledge of the impact of the extreme reactive conditions on bed fluid dynamics, electrical and heat transport mechanisms, and impurities removal kinetics. The research goal is thus to experimentally and numerically (via computational fluid dynamics) provide this fundamental knowledge and develop an innovative gas-solid contactor prototype and its mathematical model, which will then be used to refine technical-economic and life cycle analyses of the graphite purification process. Successful research outcomes will have direct impact on Canada's economy and environment considering the federal government's commitment towards an electrical grid and new light vehicles with net-zero emissions.The numerical and experimental campaigns will be highly leveraged by unique equipment, specialized instrumentation and raw materials from our government and industrial partners vertically integrated across the graphite sector. Finally, graduate and undergraduate students will work in a diverse and inclusive environment partaking in the operation of extreme temperature equipment, detailed mathematical modelling and professional communication/interaction with partners for comprehensive training.