Graphite based Anode Active Material (AAM) is the largest component by weight of lithium ion batteries and relies on ultra-high purity (99.95%) graphite anode precursor material. Furthermore, battery applications require low levels (less than 500 parts per million, ppm, total) of impurities such as Fe, Cr, Ni, Si, Ca, SO4, etc. to ensure battery performance (life) and safety.
With the rapid growth of ex-China battery markets, implementation of Critical Raw Material Act in Europe, and Inflation Reduction Act in US, it is paramount to have a low cost, proven, and environmentally superior refining process to produce battery grade graphite. Recognizing this market opportunity, Volt has developed a patent pending (US patent application number 63/696,244) low cost and hydrofluoric acid (HF) fee process which has been proven during bench scale studies. We plan to industrialize the process and commission a graphite refinery in the US state of Alabama.
