Our materials for lithium-ion batteries
Graphite anode material
SGL Carbon is a global top player in synthetic graphite anode materials for lithium-ion batteries and the only significant western manufacturer. Backed by decades of experience and reliable, mass and diversified production, we are able to provide synthetic graphite for anode materials at the highest quality level. As a large-scale producer, we also profit from our highly developed knowledge and skills along the complete value chain.
Purity for top-level requirements
We execute graphitization at technically highest possible temperatures leading to highest purity and optimized product performance. By our long term experience and know-how in production process control, we have reduced batch-to-batch variations to a minimum. Additionally, our high production capacity and special process design allows us to quickly scale up delivery volumes. These aspects ensure that our graphite meets the requirements of high-end applications: performance, reliability, quality, and safety.
Customization
Our highly versatile production process allows us to influence various material parameters – from the selection of raw mate- rials to carbonization and graphitization, as well as properties of the final product. This enables us to flexibly adapt our products to special application requirements.
C/Si composite anode material
Combining favorable properties
Our carbon-silicon (C/Si) composite anode material integrates carefully tailored silicon-based materials with our optimized high-performance graphite anode materials to boost the anode’s capacity beyond graphite’s theoretical limits. Highly conductive carbon and graphite allow usage in high-power applications and foster excellent process ability to electrodes like state-of-the-art graphite anodes.
Carbon for high performance …
The carbon structure enables an attractive electrochemical performance profile, such as high coulombic efficiency, processability and an improved cycle life.
...silicon for energy density and high power
The use of silicon in the anode results in increased gravimetric and volumetric energy density and fast charging capability for our customers, especially when compared to other materials that meet the requirements for high energy applications.
Improving parameters through C/Si material
| Parameter | Unit | SGL Carbon C/Si composite | Silicon sub-oxides | Silicon alloys | Silicon dominant composites | SGL Carbon graphite |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | mAh/g | ++ | ++ | + | ++ | ○ |
| Volumetric energy density | Wh/L | ++ | + | + | + | ○ |
| Fast charging capability | + | + | + | ++ | ○ | |
| Initial coulombic efficiency | % | + | - | ○ | ○ | +++ |
| Costs | €/kWh | + | - | ○ | ○ | +++ |
| Producibility with existing process | + | + | ○ | ○ | +++ |
Additives for cathodes
We offer a large portfolio of additives based both on synthetic graphite and processed natural graphite. Due to their high degree of graphitization, our powders show an extremely high electrical conductivity which significantly increases the performance of the battery. Furthermore, the high level of purity and the surface area control avoid any unwanted reaction within the cell.
