Optimisation of a chlorination purification process used in the production of graphite for lithium-ion batteries

PROJECT COST:

565 792 $

PRIMA CONTRIBUTION:

253 792 $

PROJECT DETAILS:

In this project, we will more precisely monitor the residual chlorine present in the purified graphite and identify the chlorinated compounds formed during the chlorination step.

We will investigate the relationship with certain physicochemical and electrochemical characteristics of the graphite in order to maximize the impact of chlorine on its performance in Li-ion batteries and minimize its variability. In a second phase, we will investigate the impact of thermal treatments—which are inherent to the purification process—on the physicochemical and electrochemical characteristics of graphite. Finally, we will evaluate the effects of heat and chlorine on the performance of CSPG with a finer particle size, which generally offers better power performance.

Better control of residual chlorine and the compounds formed, along with a demonstration of the link to superior performance in Li-ion batteries, could give the purification processes developed by Green Graphite Technologies a competitive advantage over conventional chemical processes, which are more polluting and more expensive. These results can be applied not only to the purification of mined graphite but also to that of recycled graphite from end-of-life or non-compliant batteries.