Graphite is an essential material for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, particularly in the production of lithium-ion batteries.
it is commonly used in lubricants, electrodes, and pencils. Under high pressure and temperature, it can be turned into diamond. The question is, where does it come from? How did it form in the earth’s crust?
Where does graphite come from?
The answer lies 2 billion years ago. Cyanobacteria, the ancestors of plants, survived through photosynthesis, converting carbon dioxide into oxygen. This caused the Great Oxygenation Event that allowed the precursors to all modern life to evolve, while simultaneously poisoning and wiping out the cyanobacteria. The cyanobacteria sank to the bottom of the ocean, creating a carbon rich layer that would get covered and compressed by massive layers of sediment and rock. The enormous pressure caused the carbon to metamorphosize into graphite. Heat from volcanic intrusions purified the graphite.
What are the uses of graphite?
Graphite highly contributes to EV manufacturing in several ways:
Anode Material in Lithium-Ion Batteries
Graphite is the primary material used in the anode of lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in EVs. It accounts for 25-28% of the total battery components by volume. Graphite’s physical structure allows it to store lithium ions, making it a crucial component for battery performance.
Enabling Longer Range and Faster Charging
Graphite plays a significant role in achieving the “Holy Grail” of battery chemistry: quick charging and long range. Researchers are constantly looking for ways to optimize graphite performance to increase energy density and improve charging speeds.
Demand Surge and Supply Chain Challenges
As EV adoption increases, demand for graphite is expected to soar. The U.S. is 100% dependent on foreign imports of graphite, which could potentially derail the nation’s vehicle electrification and decarbonization efforts. To meet the projected 2035 graphite demand, the industry needs 97 new mines and 52 new synthetic plants.
Importance of Domestic Supply and Processing
Establishing a reliable, secure, and sustainable “mine to battery” EV supply chain, starting with a domestic graphite source and integrating processing, manufacturing, and recycling, is crucial for the U.S. to meet its electrification goals. Researchers are developing new methods to manufacture graphite from abundant materials like coal and plastic waste to create a reliable domestic supply chain.
In conclusion, graphite is an indispensable material for EV manufacturing, particularly in lithium-ion battery production. Ensuring a stable and sustainable supply chain for graphite is essential for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and the transition to a clean energy economy.
