Fueling the Future: Coal Finds New Purpose as a Value-Added Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries
X-BATT-developed coal-composite anode achieves over 1,000 cycles with 80% retention in industrial-format 18650 cells, demonstrating a commercially viable, domestically sourced alternative to graphite.
OVIEDO, FL — June 7, 2023— X-BATT® and Semplastics are proud to announce the successful completion of a research and development project that explores and scales up the use of coal as a value-added material for anodes in lithium-ion batteries.
The use of lithium-ion batteries has been growing rapidly, driven by demand for EVs and renewable energy storage. These batteries rely on graphite, which is almost exclusively imported from foreign countries, primarily China. However, our research has demonstrated that coal could be a domestically sourced alternative or supplement to graphite as an anode active material.
The Battery Innovation Center scaled and tested this technology in 18650 cells, which are used in many commercial applications. This significant milestone in development demonstrates the technology is commercially viable and can be produced on a large scale, utilizing existing equipment and processes.
“We are excited to have completed this project, which has the potential to make a huge impact. The use of coal as a value-added material not only provides a domestic source for anodes but creates a new market for coal. We are grateful for the support of the Department of Energy and the NETL, who made this project possible.”
Results from the first 18650 cells that were made using coal showed a retention capacity of 80% after 1,000 cycles of being fully charged and fully discharged, showcasing its promising cycle life capabilities.
Founded in 2019, X-BATT® pioneers tomorrow’s energy-storage materials through curiosity-driven, disruptive R&D. Our mission is to advance energy-storage material science through bold research, innovative materials development, and collaborative partnerships, delivering transformative solutions for a sustainable future.
www.x-battinc.com