The development of sustainable graphite anode active materials for lithium-ion batteries has made a step forward. In a collaborative effort to meet rising demand for critical battery materials, Rain Carbon Canada and Green Graphite Technologies have partnered under the Sustainable Manufacturing Challenge grant from Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen).
The cooperation is focused on a sustainable supply chain for graphite, the most important anode material in Li-ion batteries. Rain Carbon, with headquarters in Dover, Delaware, USA, is an integrated supplier of carbon-based and chemical products. The battery-grade carbon precursor materials are used for graphite and silicon-carbon composite materials in lithium-ion batteries.
Green Graphite Technologies is headquartered in Montreal. The company is now commercialising its patented purification technology to produce battery-grade graphite from mined and recycled sources. GGT claims to generate 50% lower operating costs compared to traditional methods and an 82% reduction in carbon footprint versus China-produced anode active materials.
The partners aim to develop recycling, purification and manufacturing processes, supporting the industry transformation to electromobility. By 2030, the project could result in two new graphite product lines. The new manufacturing processes will be designed to reduce process waste, increase production efficiency and reduce the total carbon footprint. The initiative is also anticipated to generate new intellectual property and technical expertise.
From a national perspective, the project is a part of a sustainable Canadian battery supply chain. The RAIN Technology Innovation Center at Rain Carbon’s Hamilton, Ontario location will serve as the primary base for pilot-scale production and testing. The facility is equipped with a demonstration plant for material conversion and an advanced analytical lab for evaluating powder materials. GGT will utilise its pilot facilities in Kingston, Ontario, and Montreal, Quebec, to support the purification activities.
