Funding will support the project team's small-scale research and development of a new catalytic graphitization technology for producing high-value graphite from various grades of petroleum coke at a lower temperature (1500 °C) and with a shortened process time (hours rather than days), compared with conventional processes.
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
September 16, 2025
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Funding will support the project team's small-scale research and development of a new catalytic graphitization technology for producing high-value graphite from various grades of petroleum coke at a lower temperature (1500 °C) and with a shortened process time (hours rather than days), compared with conventional processes. Specifically, the project team will (1) obtain graphite and catalyst samples, test and characterize to identify preferred material composition, (2) process scaled volume of graphite and catalyst materials, (3) conduct preliminary catalytic testing to verify initial production metrics, (4) procure system components and develop full-scale system for initial testing, (5) incorporate system adjustments and validate system outputs to meet material, emission, and performance metrics, (6) develop battery to test graphite performance to meet final project standards. If successful, this project will result in a technology to produce domestic coke-to- graphite for energy storage at much lower temperatures, costs, and emissions than current approaches, ultimately reducing dependence on foreign energy sources, thereby increasing U.S. energy security.