Independent testing of expanded natural flake graphite from Focus Graphite Inc has shown it can double energy conductivity in lithium-ion cathode applications.
The material from the US firm’s Lac Knife, Québec Project, demonstrated nearly double the electrical conductivity over standard grades of synthetic and natural graphite.
Testing took place between 2014 and 2016 under three contracts with internationally recognised facilities (their names withheld for competition reasons) undert the supervision of Dr. Joseph Doninger, Focus’ director of manufacturing and technologyn.
Additional investigations on the material using Ramen microscopy were provided by a ‘well-known’ US university laboratory.
Delaminated expanded flake offers higher conductivity properties to conventional air-milled flake and/or premium quality synthetic graphites.
Expanded graphite is also used in cathodes of zinc-air batteries and annodes of lead-acid batteries.
Dr. Doninger said: “Focus Lac Knife expanded graphite, creates an opportunity for continuing our research to achieve even greater conductivity enhancement additives.”
Last week BBB reported how a consortium had announced it would buy a mill to produce anode-ready spherical graphite for lithium batteries in the US. Read more here
