Worn out EV batteries as alternative carbon source

Graphite is the main precursor for making graphene. While graphite deposits are not scarce, the supply of high-quality graphite is much tighter and the demand is expected to significantly increase as it, for example, is used as a raw material for electric vehicle battery manufacturing. Chalmers University of Technology, Chalmers Industriteknik and Grafren have investigated the possibility of producing graphene without using pristine fossil-based graphite.

– We have focused on the possibility of using end-of-life batteries from electric vehicles as an alternative carbon source for graphene production. The market wants circularity and this can be an important step for future sustainable graphene production, says project leader Sofia Öiseth, Chalmers Industriteknik.