Chinese scientists pulls ahead in ultra-pure graphite
Chinese scientists have successfully developed ultra-high pure graphite. Controlling its supply could give their research an advantage in key tech race.
SCMP • November 28, 2024 ~ Global Times
Chinese scientists have successfully developed ultra-high pure graphite, reflecting that the China’s graphite products now reach the world’s leading standards, Xinhua News Agency reported on Tuesday.
At a press conference held in Hegang, Northeast China Heilongjiang Province, Wang Jionghui’s team from China Minmetals Co unveiled innovational breakthrough in graphite purification technology, successfully producing ultra-high pure graphite with 99.99995 percent purity. This achievement positions China as a global leader in the making of ultra-high pure graphite, according to Xinhua.
Wang’s research team has revolutionized graphite purification process by developing a process in tandem with top equipment manufacturers in the country. Their innovative approach, which merges physical-chemical, low and high-temperature, and ultra-high vacuum purification, elevates graphite purity from 95 percent to 99.99995 percent, while ensuring stable product quality. Additionally, their integrated process significantly reduces production cost.
Ultra-high pure graphite, which contains more than 99.99 percent carbon, features excellent self-lubrication, conductivity, corrosion and high-temperature resistance, and chemical stability, Liu Enqiao, a senior analyst at Beijing-based Anbound Think Tank, told the Global Times on Tuesday.
“The higher the purity of graphite is, the better the graphite’s lubricity, conductivity, corrosion resistance and chemical stability,” Liu stated, “such materials are extensively used in advanced industrial sectors such as aerospace, superconductors, integrated circuits, and semiconductors.”
“Currently, the breakthrough is still at an experimental stage with its commercial viability still under evaluation,” Liu added. “If commercialized, the pure graphite would enable China to play a prominent role in the market. The demand for high-purity graphite in cutting-edge industrial sectors has been growing, and the technological advancement could significantly liberate us in this field, reducing our dependencies.”
Applications of high-purity graphite
Interesting Engineering ~ November 28, 2024
Graphite is a crystalline form of carbon with a wide range of applications.
For context, electric vehicles require high-purity graphite in their battery anodes. The purity of the graphite directly impacts the battery’s performance, affecting its charging speed, capacity, and lifespan.
In the semiconductor industry, high-purity graphite is used to manufacture crucibles. These containers hold molten silicon during the chip-making process. Notably, the purity of the graphite is essential to prevent silicon contamination.
Aviation is another industry in which high-purity graphite is a highly sought-after material. Because it can withstand extreme temperatures and harsh conditions, it plays a crucial role in constructing several aerospace components.
Interestingly, this technological breakthrough has geopolitical implications as well. China has placed high-purity graphite on its export control list.
It moderates in nuclear reactors, slowing down neutrons to maintain a controlled nuclear chain reaction.
“China holds the largest and highest-quality reserves of natural flake graphite globally. Much like rare earths, graphite is precious and non-renewable; it cannot be sold at low prices only after being roughly processed,” Sun Qing, honorary chairman of the China Carbon Industry Association, told state-owned Global Times in an interview published in October last year, reported SCMP.
It was widely considered a countermeasure to trade restrictions imposed on China by the United States and the European Union.
If CETC’s claims regarding its high-purity graphite are true, controlling its supply could give China an advantage in key technological sectors.
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