Funding will support the project team's small-scale research and development of an electrochemically catalyzed graphitization process using molten salts, operating at much lower temperatures (approx. 850°Celsius) and in shorter timescales (3-6 hours) to produce high-purity synthetic graphite.
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
September 22, 2025
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Funding will support the project team's small-scale research and development of an electrochemically catalyzed graphitization process using molten salts, operating at much lower temperatures (approx. 850°Celsius) and in shorter timescales (3-6 hours) to produce high-purity synthetic graphite. Specifically, the project team will (1) establish the graphitization process and protocols to meet predetermined technical requirements, (2) produce and test graphite samples in battery cell to meet performance metrics, (3) procure equipment, test and validate operation and function, (4) produce graphitized products, test and validate graphite output, and (5) apply system adjustments, synthesize graphite to meet predetermined technical requirements and project standards. If successful, this project will result in a technology to produce sustainable graphite at much lower temperatures, costs, and emissions than current approaches, applicable to the electric vehicle sector and the broader energy storage industry, and ultimately reduce dependence on foreign energy sources, thereby increasing U.S. energy security.