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Focus Graphite (TSXV:FMS) reported results from initial independent laboratory test work conducted to compare carbon coated Spherical Graphite to commercial carbon coated synthetic graphite. Results indicated that Lac Knife coated Spherical graphite showed a superior electrochemical performance, compared to commercial grades of synthetic graphite, in lithium ion batteries.
As quoted in the press release, highlights of results included:
- Coin cell test of Lac Knife Coated SPG yields a 99.35% efficient lithium ion battery, compared to Commercial Synthetic SPG for Li-Ion batteries that yielded lower battery coin cell test results showing 93.5% and 96.5% efficiency respectively.
- Tests also show that the Focus fine lithium ion grade of SPG has both a much higher reversible capacity and lower irreversible capacity loss than either of the two commercial grades of synthetic SPG. Although the electrochemical performance of the synthetic graphite grade is very good, they are inferior to that of the Focus lithium ion fine grade of SPG.
- Long term cycling tests indicate that cells produced with Lac Knife natural flake graphite concentrate will also be more stable than those produced with synthetic graphite.
Focus Graphite president and COO, Don Baxter, said:
Focus Graphite is unique in the graphite mining sector, in that we have actual technical and operational experience in graphite mining and processing and transformation into value added graphite products. The work we are undertaking is designed to give confidence to our potential customers that the technical performance, economic and environmental aspects of Lac Knife graphite products are second to none. We commissioned this test work to show that Lac Knife graphite can ultimately be transformed into an SPG for use in anodes for lithium ion batteries. This SPG shows better performance characteristics than the synthetic graphite that is currently used by some well-known battery manufacturers. Current markets show that natural SPG sells for considerably less than half the cost of synthetic graphite for batteries and, yet, it performs better. Also, Focus’ Lac Knife natural flake graphite concentrate can be processed in an environmentally sustainable manner, using Hydro Quebec hydroelectric power, that produces relatively negligible C02 emissions, compared to natural flake graphite processed in China, or energy intensive synthetic graphite produced from petroleum coke.
Click here to read the Focus Graphite (TSXV:FMS) press release