Spherical graphite used for lithium ion secondary battery material

Production

Graphite is the anode material of choice in the booming battery business offering superior charge efficiency, energy density and cell capacity. It is either used in its natural form, as synthetic graphite or as a modified natural, so called spherical graphite (SG) material finding widespread application in lithium-ion batteries used in grid-attached residential and industrial energy storage solutions, electric vehicles (EVs) as well as portable consumer electronics devices. Considering the fact that lithium ion batteries consumes 10 – 15 times more graphite than lithium and in the light of forecast compound annual growth rates in said markets there is a tremendous need especially for high grade graphite materials in the market.

Compared to typical flake graphite, spherical graphite offers a number of advantages when used in battery applications. Well rounded spherules have a low specific surface area (BET), thereby minimizing capacity losses. Additionally they allow for a more efficient packing and increase the tap density and overall volumetric energy capacity of the anode. A well-rounded spherule can be coated more evenly than sub-rounded or angular grains, which adds to the efficiency of the battery anode.