Biochar-Metal Graphite Composition for Sustainable Anode Powder
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Solution Overview
Problem
The scarcity of graphite for lithium-ion batteries, which requires specific properties for high performance, and the need for sustainable, renewable sources to meet increasing demand, particularly in electrical infrastructure transitions.
Innovation Solution
A composition of matter comprising biochar, a metal, and graphite, with specific weight ratios and properties, including a d-spacing of 0.3354 to 0.3401 nm, electrochemical capacity of at least 200 mAh/g, and a Coulombic efficiency greater than 60%, processed through thermal treatment and sieving to produce a high-performance anode powder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If graphite is synthesised from petroleum-based precursors or obtained from natural deposits, then graphite production is achieved, but resource scarcity and sustainability issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the raw material parameter from petroleum-based precursors or natural deposits to bio-based precursors (biomass). This parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing a renewable, sustainable source for graphite production while maintaining adequate quantity through the controlled conversion of abundant biomass resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite mixture comprising biochar, a metal, and graphite with specific weight ratios. This composite approach allows the synergistic combination of renewable biochar with catalytic metal components to efficiently produce graphite, simultaneously achieving sustainable sourcing and adequate production quantity.
2Reliability
If specific properties are required for high performance lithium-ion battery graphite, then battery performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by pre-mixing biochar and metal components in specific ratios before thermal treatment. This preliminary preparation ensures that the subsequent thermal conversion process produces graphite with the required high-performance properties (electrochemical capacity ≥200 mAh/g, Coulombic efficiency >60%) while simplifying manufacturing by establishing the correct composition upfront rather than requiring complex post-processing adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention specifies precise parameter ranges for the composition (graphite content 25-65 wt%, metal content 15-75 wt%, biochar content 1-35 wt%) and thermal treatment conditions. By controlling these parameters within defined ranges, the invention achieves consistent high-performance graphite properties while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through straightforward compositional control rather than complex multi-step processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The resulting graphite powder exhibits enhanced electrochemical performance, achieving electrochemical capacities exceeding 300 mAh/g and high Coulombic efficiency, suitable for lithium-ion batteries while being environmentally friendly due to its renewable source origin.
Implementation Method 1
Other carbon materials, for example char and some carbonised polymers, require the addition of other components in order to facilitate the transformation into graphite
Implementation Method 2
Some carbon materials, such as coke and mesophase pitch can be transformed to graphite simply by heating
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition for the production of a graphite powder, suitable for making high performance lithium-ion battery anodes and other applications. The composition of matter comprises a biochar, a metal and graphite. The biochar is typically derived from the pyrolysis of woody biomass. The metal is typically a transition metal derived from the decomposition and reduction of an organic or inorganic metallic compound. The graphite is highly crystalline and has a wide range of morphologies or structures.