CMI Project 3.3.1 Graphite production for lithium-ion battery anodes using lignin or polyethylene wastes

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Research Highlight

CMI graphite synthesis method wins 2025 R&D 100 Award

diagram is representation of the graphite production improvement process, with a callout for the AI-assisted approach, enabling faster data analysis and process optimization.

Research Highlight

AI-assisted data analysis for efficient R&D in graphitization

composite image shows scatter plot and a line graph

Research Highlight

Electrochemical graphitization (EG) of recycled plastics

$image of X-ray diffraction pattern$ Research Highlight

Electrochemical graphitization of carbon in molten salts

Ball and stick chemical models of cyclized ladder structure produced when polyethylene is oxidatively stabilized prior to charring and graphitization steps.

Research Highlight

Modeling of the production of graphite from waste plastic

Graphite is at heart of modern energy technologies, including energy storage devices and energy conversion processes. The supply chain of natural graphite is controlled by few countries and energy extensive synthesis process (Acheson process, >3000 °C) is the only technique to synthesize this highly demanded commodity, a critical material listed by U.S. Department of Energy LINK. The overarching goal of this project is to develop a new graphite synthesis process that can utilize renewable sources (biomass) and polyethylene (PE) wastes and convert them to pure and highly crystalline graphite suitable for energy-related applications including battery anodes for fast charging application for electric vehicles (EVs).