Graphite is a naturally-occurring battery material in certain ores. It formed eons ago during the thermal metamorphism of carbonaceous sedimentary rocks. Graphite has become a key component in batteries, especially for lithium-ion anodes. But now, alternative synthetic graphite is attracting increasing attention in the West. Particularly, as Reuters observes, since China controls 95% of the global supply of natural graphite.
Alternative Synthetic Graphite Has Been Dormant
Edward Goodrich Acheson discovered alternative synthetic graphite in 1896, after he accidentally overheated silicon. His was a simple process, and it still is. The silicon vaporized in the heat, leaving pure graphite behind.
After the idea lay semi-dormant for a century, Norwegian company Vianode, formed quite recently to exploit the opportunity.
The Norwegian company has been making progress, and believes the carbon load of their alternative synthetic graphite is just 1.9 kilograms of CO2, per kilogram of material. This puts it on par with natural graphite.
Vianode Supplying Artificial Graphite for GM EV’s
Reuters announced on January 15, 2025 that GM had signed a deal with Vianode, to supply its synthetic graphite for GM’s electric vehicle batteries. The agreement will apply from 2027 through to 2033. Meanwhile Vianode must establish a processing plant on North American soil.
LG Energy Solutions will use the synthetic material for GM lithium-ion battery anodes, under the existing Ultium Cells joint venture.
“This project will help advance our battery technology, and drive greater value to our customers,” GM’s senior vice president of global purchasing and supply chain assured Reuters. The Vianode CEO adds, “What General Motors wants, and we want, is a resilient supply chain for North America.”
At this stage there’s no decision whether to site the new Vianode plant in the United States, or Canada. Although there may be merit in siting it near GM and LG’s existing battery production facility in the latter country.
The parties hope to produce 80,000 tons of synthetic graphite annually by 2030. That should suffice for some 1.5 million electric vehicles, again according to Reuters.
More Information
Origins of Graphite in Batteries
