Graphite Flows in the U.S.: Insights into a Key Ingredient of Energy Transition

Abstract

Demand for graphite will grow with expanding use of lithium-ion batteries in the United States. Much graphite is imported, raising supply chain risks. It is therefore imperative to characterize graphite's sources and sinks. Accordingly, we present the first material flow analysis for natural and synthetic graphite in the U.S. The analysis (for 2018) begins with processed graphite trade and includes graphite production, graphite product trade, manufacturing of end products, end product use, and waste management. It considers 11 end-use applications for graphite, two waste management stages, and three recycling pathways. In 2018, 354 thousand tonnes (kt) of processed graphite were consumed in the U.S., including 60 kt natural graphite and 294 kt synthetic graphite. 145 kt of graphite were traded. Refractories and foundries consumed 56% of natural graphite; 42% of synthetic graphite went into making graphite electrodes. Batteries accounted for 10 and 5% of natural and synthetic graphite consumption, respectively; 78% of total graphite used dissipated into the environment; 22% reached the waste disposal stage of which 71% was landfilled and 29% was recycled; and 59 kt of graphite accumulated in in-use stocks. Recycling more graphite and producing graphite from lignin would favorably influence today's supply chain.

Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Solid Carbon: Development, Challenges, and Perspectives

“…83 Despite the relatively lower price of natural graphite, the price of natural flake graphite used in batteries is approximately US$1500 per metric ton. 84 However, when the graphite is further processed to become coated spherical purified graphite (CSPG), specifically for application in high-power electrodes for lithium batteries, the profit margins increase significantly. The selling price of CSPG can potentially reach as high as around US$20 000 per metric ton.…”

“…The selling price of CSPG can potentially reach as high as around US$20 000 per metric ton. 84,85 The current graphite production industry is characterized by a complex production chain and a significant environmental impact as a result of its emission and energyintensive nature. 86 However, by employing the electrolysis of carbon dioxide to synthesize graphite, we can mitigate these challenges and achieve a more sustainable approach.…”

“…Furthermore, the market for battery-grade graphite is expected to reach a value of US$14 billion by 2025 . Despite the relatively lower price of natural graphite, the price of natural flake graphite used in batteries is approximately US$1500 per metric ton . However, when the graphite is further processed to become coated spherical purified graphite (CSPG), specifically for application in high-power electrodes for lithium batteries, the profit margins increase significantly.…”

“…However, when the graphite is further processed to become coated spherical purified graphite (CSPG), specifically for application in high-power electrodes for lithium batteries, the profit margins increase significantly. The selling price of CSPG can potentially reach as high as around US$20 000 per metric ton. , The current graphite production industry is characterized by a complex production chain and a significant environmental impact as a result of its emission and energy-intensive nature . However, by employing the electrolysis of carbon dioxide to synthesize graphite, we can mitigate these challenges and achieve a more sustainable approach.…”

Catalytic Graphitization of Biocarbon for Lithium‐Ion Anodes: A Minireview

“…In addition, the chemical inertness, structural stability, and relatively low weight of graphite make it suitable for use in lithium‐ion cell anodes. By 2050, the use of graphite in energy storage capacities is expected to increase by 500 % if climate change is limited to an increase in two degrees celcius [8] …”