Magnis Energy Technologies Ltd (ASX:MNS, OTCQX:MNSEF) has lauded “exceptional performance” in active anode material (AAM) samples produced at its pilot-scale plant in New York.
The samples were derived for customer qualification and used Magnis’ high-purity Nachu flake graphite before purification, boasting a first cycle efficiency (FCE) rate of more than 94.4% with a reversible capacity of more than 355 milliampere-hours per gram mass.
The initial charge-discharge curve of Magnis’ coated spherical purified graphite (CSPG).
The results also came in at a purity level at or above 99.97% without any harsh chemicals, acid or very high temperature thermal purification, with the Nachu AAM performing in the top quartile of products in the marketplace.
Amid the findings, Magnis chair Frank Poullas said there was no doubt that the company’s graphite and anode product contained key advantages for battery makers.
“Producing a high-performing product minus any chemical/acid purification with a sustainable manufacturing approach allows for the competitive cost of Magnis’ AAM product and puts Magnis into a strong position to be a leading CSPG anode supplier outside China,” he noted.
Why graphite?
Governments in the United States and Europe have listed graphite as a critical mineral, highlighting the battery commodity’s utility in the green energy transition.
As the main material in a battery’s anode, graphite essentially takes in and holds lithium ions during charging, releasing them when energy is needed.
Graphite’s inherent high thermal and electrical conductivity — combined with chemical inertness — provides stability when cycling through many energy flows, doing so without any ignition or degrading.
FCE plays a critical role in the lithium-ion cell manufacturing process because a higher first-cycle efficiency indicates a lower lithium loss when the first cycle (also known as the formation cycle in cell manufacturing) is performed on the production floor.
Standard natural graphite anode products in the marketplace have a FCE of 91%, but the Nachu AAM provides EV companies with a higher energy density cell that results in a longer average range.
Nachu’s anode goes the distance compared to the industry standard AAM.
Making the AAM of the future
A typical 60 kilowatt-hour EV battery holds approximately 70 kilograms of graphite, meaning battery makers rely on sure and steady supplies of this critical mineral.
Interestingly, Magnis’ downstream processing technology — developed by C4V — uses high-purity, low-cost Nachu feedstock and a mechanical approach to produce active anode material.
This means the overall cost to generate each tonne of Magnis AAM is significantly reduced, allowing it to produce a high-performing product at a competitive price.
Right now, Magnis is shortlisting sites for its commercial AAM plant in the US. It’s also in talks with several potential tier-one customers — relationships that would add to its offtake deal with the world’s largest battery and EV company.
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