Artificial graphite is a graphite material made by artificial methods. Its principle mainly includes two main steps: carbonization and graphitization. The preparation process of artificial graphite usually includes batching, kneading, molding, carbonization and graphitization.
Preparation process
Batching: Select carbonaceous raw materials with low impurity content (such as petroleum coke, asphalt coke, etc.) as aggregates, and coal tar asphalt as binders. Add other materials as needed.
Kneading: Mix the ingredients evenly to form a plastic mixture.
Molding: Molding the mixture into the desired shape, such as block or powder.
Carbonization: Carbonization treatment is carried out at high temperature to decompose and solidify the organic matter in the mixture.
Graphitization: Graphitization treatment is carried out at a higher temperature to rearrange the carbon atoms and form a graphite crystal structure.
Properties and applications
Artificial graphite has excellent electrochemical and mechanical properties and is widely used in battery negative electrode materials, wear-resistant materials, electric heating materials and other fields. Its layered structure allows lithium ions to be reversibly embedded and extracted, with high capacity and good cycle stability.
Difference from natural graphite
Natural graphite is naturally formed in a geological environment with high temperature and pressure, while artificial graphite is obtained through artificial synthesis and high temperature treatment. Natural graphite has various crystal forms, including dense crystalline graphite, flake graphite and cryptocrystalline graphite, while artificial graphite obtains a more uniform and controllable crystal structure through a specific production process.