一,Characteristics of Spherical Graphite By products and Purification Objectives

1. Composition Characteristics:

• Graphite Matrix: Primarily consists of non-spherical graphite particles (flaky, angular), particles with low sphericity, and fine graphite powder.

• Sources of Impurities:

  • Inherent Impurities: Silicate minerals (e.g., quartz, mica) associated with the raw ore, and compounds of elements such as aluminum, iron, calcium, and magnesium.

  • Process-Induced Impurities: Iron impurities (the most significant) introduced from equipment wear during the spheroidization process (typically using vertical mills or jet mills), and potential impurities from grinding media.

• Particle Size Distribution: Relatively wide, potentially containing particles ranging from several micrometers to tens of micrometers.

二, Product Directions and Applications

Purified spherical graphite tailings can be applied based on their final purity and particle size:

• Mid-to-Low-End Lithium-Ion Battery Anode Materials: Products with a fixed carbon content around 99.5% can be used in applications with less stringent performance requirements, such as energy storage systems and low-speed electric vehicles.

• Conductive Additives: Particularly the purified fine graphite powder, which serves as an excellent conductive agent in electrode slurries.

• Advanced Refractories, Lubricants, Sealing Materials, etc.

• As Raw Material: Can be fed back into the spheroidization production line for secondary shaping (requires controlled proportioning).

Core Purification Objectives:

• Remove Impurities: Especially magnetic impurities like iron, and other mineral impurities that affect the fixed carbon content.

• Classification and Shaping (Optional): Sometimes it is necessary to separate reusable non-spherical graphite or further process it to obtain products of different specifications.

• Enhance Value: Transform the tailings from a low-value by-product into high-fixed-carbon (typically >99% or >99.5%) graphite material suitable for use in mid-to-low-end lithium-ion battery anode materials, conductive additives, refractories, etc.