Vianode produces its first recycled graphite product
Graphite is a critical component for the production of lithium-ion batteries. The high-performance solution now presented is part of Vianode’s “next-generation material series,” the company says, adding that its new recycled graphite material will also help reduce CO2 emissions from graphite production.
The company explains that it produces a synthetic anode graphite, and “the world’s most sustainable” one. Anode graphite is the largest component of a lithium-ion battery in terms of weight. Vianode claims to produce synthetic anode graphite with a 90 per cent lower carbon footprint than conventional production methods. Synthetic graphite is produced in high-temperature production processes and differs from natural graphite, which is usually extracted from carbon-rich rock formations.
The new material comes from the company’s industrial pilot project in Kristiansand, which opened its doors in 2021. The company adds that it “is currently researching more recycled products with the aim of creating the most sustainable anode graphite and enabling a truly circular North American and European battery value chain” there.
“Vianode is a driving force in sustainable production of batteries and battery materials, with localized production close to customers. Our new recycled product completes the graphite loop in battery production, reducing reliance on virgin materials. It is a leap forward in making EV and battery production significantly less resource-intensive,” says Dr. Stefan Bergold, Chief Commercial Officer at Vianode.
“Vianode’s proprietary recycling process enables us to recover both types of anode graphite, thereby limiting the environmental challenges traditionally associated with sourcing natural graphite. We retain the natural graphite content and enhance product quality through improved homogeneity and customized performance specifications to meet specific customer requirements,” comments Bridget Deveney, VP Product Development and Applications at Vianode.
In October of last year, Vianode opened its first full-scale production plant in Herøya, Norway, about 160 kilometres north of the above-mentioned pilot plant. The facility was built with support from the Norwegian government, which supplied a grant worth €30 million, under the Battery IPCEI. Vianode invested around two billion Norwegian kroner, or about €195 million to build the factory.
Vianode also recently signed a deal with General Motors for the supply of anode graphite worth several billion US dollars until 2033. However, that will not come from Norway but from Vianode’s plant in North America, which is scheduled to start production in 2027. The high-performance anode graphite will be used by Ultium Cells, the joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution for the production of battery cells. Under the agreement, supplies may be extended to other joint ventures.
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