Analysis of changes in global warming potential during enrichment and production of battery-grade graphite using electrothermal fluidized bed technology

Abstract

The greenhouse gas emissions during the production of anode class graphite for the conditions of Ukraine have been calculated. Conventional technologies and technologies using electrothermal fluidized bed (EFB) for natural and synthetic graphite have been studied. Calculations are carried out with respect to the whole technological chain, starting from extraction and processing of raw materials and ending with finishing processing (coating). As a result, it is shown that the technology of using EFB for purification of natural graphite and graphitization of synthetic graphite is competitive in terms of global warming potential (GWP). In the production of natural graphite using thermal purification with EFB instead of chemical purification, emissions of greenhouse gases practically remain at the same level. At the same time, the use of acids is eliminated, and the environmental impact associated with them is reduced. Production of synthetic graphite of anodic quality in EFB furnaces allows to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions by 40-50% in comparison with traditional graphitization technologies in Acheson and Kastner furnaces. The effect is achieved by reducing energy and raw material consumption.