EcoGraf Limited announced with FYI Resources Ltd. the results of its Enhanced High Purity Alumina (HPA) anode coatings development program. EcoGraf provided the results of its enhanced HPA anode coating which is a significant result for the joint program with FYI Resources. The innovative technical program is being undertaken in a leading U.S. commercial battery material research facility using EcoGrafTM HFfree spherical graphite (hdBAM) and FYI's innovative ultrafine 4N HPA to generate a HPA-doped coated spherical graphite.

Doping is the introduction of HPA onto the carbon coatings. The program commenced with surface coating EcoGraf spherical graphite with carbon material via a proprietary impregnation technique and heat treatment process to produce carbon coated spherical graphite as a product. This material was then surface doped with a fine dispersion spray of FYI's ultrafine 4N HPA to produce an enhanced HPA-doped carbon coated spherical graphite product.

Physical analysis of the coated spherical graphite material and FYI HPA-doped coated spherical graphite material was completed and met the specifications required by leading battery manufacturers. Scanning electron microscopy of carbon-coated purified spherical graphite. The electrode coating process involved the material under controlled conditions applied to the copper sheet to achieve uniform electrode coating for application in lithium-ion coin cell.

Electrochemical performance of the coated spherical graphite (coated anode) and HPA- doped coated spherical graphite (HPA-doped coated anode) was undertaken in an industry standard coin cell (CR2016) to determine the performance in a lithium-ion cell which are used to power EV's. The company presents the coin cell electrochemical performance results benchmarked against current industry anode material from China. First cycle charge-discharge curves were developed for both materials achieving higher first charge capacity, reduced first cycle loss and increased charge efficiency. The coated anode has a reversible capacity in the order of 353.4 mAh/g (milliampere hours per gram) with irreversible first cycle loss amounting to merely 5.2% These are excellent results and makes EcoGraf and FYI coated anode as superior performing Lithium-ion anode material.

The performance of the HPA-doped coated anode was outstanding and better than the coated anode. Specifically, the reversible capacity was measured at 362.7 mAh/g and the first cycle loss was 4.5%. The HPA-doped coated spherical graphite outperformed current industry standard material from China.

Optimisation will continue for the loading of HPA onto the battery anode as well as variable size specification of HPA used as the dopant. Performing the long-term cycling (100 cycles and above) of HPA-doped coated anode is ongoing. The results are very positive delivering a better performing material that will improve, performance, durability, and safety.

EcoGraf and FYI are very pleased with the results and providing product samples to partners and battery manufacturers. The objective program is to develop a commercial innovative active anode material (AAM) in Western Australia from further value adding its materials for the Lithium-Ion battery market.