Saving virgin graphite via utilization of Li-ion battery graphite waste for graphene manufacturing

Important results from the project

** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** Large-scale graphene production is based on the exfoliation of graphite. The aim of the project was to experimentally investigate the possibility of using graphite from spent electric vehicle batteries as an alternative raw material for graphene production. The project results were promising and the research will continue in a new project from Batterifonden/ Energimyndigheten to help solve the problem of recycling spent EV batteries and reduce the need for mining virgin graphite.

Expected long term effects

** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** The project was successful and we managed to produce graphene from the graphite-rich waste stream (black mass) left over from the recycling of Li-ion batteries. In the long term, the project result will mean a reduced impact of climate change by reusing carbon already in the value chain (from spent electric vehicle batteries) instead of mining pristine fossil-based graphite. Another benefit is creating added value from a waste stream that is currently only incinerated for energy production.

Approach and implementation

** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** Materials from crushed electric car batteries were separated and purified in a number of steps. The graphite-rich part went on for analysis of its physical and chemical properties. Based on the results, exfoliation experiments were then performed to prepare graphene. This also included method development work. The resulting graphene material was studied by Raman and XPS. The cooperation between the parties worked well and the results from the preliminary study indicate that a future reduced climate impact is possible.