Sarytogan Graphite Ltd (ASX:SGA) has made the first lithium-ion batteries using its uncoated spherical purified graphite (USPG) and early tests indicate they outperform many existing synthetic graphite anodes used in electric vehicles.
The initial test results have elicited a strong early response from investors with SGA shares up as much as 18.19% within the first half hour of ASX trading to A$0.195.
Better performance
The company manufactured six coin-cell batteries and initial tests show that these batteries have reversible capacities ranging from 342 to 347 milliampere-hours per gram (mAh/g), which surpasses the performance of many synthetic graphite products, which typically exhibit capacities between 330 to 345 mAh/g.
It says this milestone points to the quality of the Sarytogan Graphite, characterised by its unique microcrystalline nature, which differentiates it from other natural graphite categories.
In addition to the capacity results, the batteries demonstrated significant repeatability and consistency across all tests, with no noticeable performance degradation after multiple charge and discharge cycles.
This success is attributed to the high spheroidisation yield and the strategic manufacturing process, including the use of a high tap density active anode material (AAM) and the application of the drawdown technique for electrode coating.
Revolutionary technical milestone
Managing director Sean Gregory said: “We are delighted with the achievement of this major and revolutionary technical milestone that demonstrates Sarytogan Graphite to be highly suitable for use in lithium-ion batteries.
“Sarytogan Graphite is proving itself to be a unique combination of high performance and lower costs due to its exceptionally high-grade microcrystalline nature.
“Investors can look forward to the well-advanced pre-feasibility study quantifying the anticipated financial returns associated with the long list of superlatives that the Sarytogan Graphite deposit commands.”
Tests continue
Sarytogan plans to continue long-term testing on USPG cells and commence a second round of tests on coated spherical purified graphite (CSPG), which involves a surface coating process expected to further enhance battery performance.
These are crucial steps toward the completion of a pre-feasibility study, projected for completion by the third quarter of this year.
The company is also exploring marketing strategies for its graphite products and engaging in discussions with potential candidates for a marketing manager position, aiming to secure product offtake agreements and promote Sarytogan Graphite's emerging specifications among prospective customers.