Focus Graphite Inc. (TSX-V:FMS) (OTCQX:FCSMF) (FSE:FKC) (“Focus” or
the “Company”) is pleased to report it has developed a
silicon-enhanced graphite anode for next generation lithium-ion
batteries.
Testing in CR2016 coin cells showed the
Company’s initial efforts to introduce nano-sized silicon into Lac
Knife spherical graphite anode materials were successful in nearly
doubling the capacity of Lithium-Ion batteries currently using
synthetic and standard flake graphite in the anode mix.
Dr. Joseph Doninger, Focus Director of
Manufacturing and Technology – who headed the testing program
– said the testing results pushed performance well beyond the
prescribed limits of theoretical reversible capacity of 372 Ah/kg
for lithium-ion battery cells.
“Our aim has always been to create and develop
scientific solutions that not only work, but solutions that win for
our customers and the marketplace,” said President and Chief
Executive Officer Gary Economo.
“The combination of our graphite resource at Lac
Knife and the in-house scientific and technical capabilities to
overcome performance and safety issues related to Lithium-Ion
batteries may well represent a significant step forward for the
battery industry,” Mr. Economo said.
In a February 25, 2015 news release, the Company
announced its spherical graphite (SPG) exhibited superior
performance in coin cells when compared with commercial grades of
synthetic graphite. This data is shown in Figure 1 below:
Figure
1. http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/46e31f86-4cdf-4ea8-8c97-d0b8e0d2f059
As shown, Focus Graphite’s carbon coated fine
grade of spherical graphite (SPG) at a reversible capacity of 366
Ah/kg is very close to the theoretical limit of 372 Ah/kg
achievable with graphite. In addition, coin cells made with the two
commercial grades of synthetic graphite achieved reversible
capacities of only 345 and 347 Ah/kg, about 6% lower in capacity
than the Lac Knife SPG. However, both the excellent performance of
the Focus SPG and the commercial grades of synthetic graphite used
in the anode have almost half of the capacity achieved with the new
Focus silicon-enhanced Lac Knife SPG.
With pure silicon alone used as the anode
material, theoretical reversible capacities as high as 4200 Ah/kg
are possible. However, there is a serious problem with using
silicon in that it swells and contracts as much as much as 400%
during the lithiation and de-lithiation process that occurs during
cycling. This results in the formation of an unstable anode and
hence an unusable lithium-ion battery. Much work has been reported
in the literature to add lithium to the graphite used in the anodes
but continuing stability problems caused by the swelling of the
silicon have held back its development.
“Focus Graphite has developed a process that
addresses this problem and as indicated in Figure 2 below,
with the addition of 18 wt. % silicon nanoparticles into our Lac
Knife SPG, we have shown the possibility of achieving a reversible
capacity value of 613 Ah/kg – almost twice the capacity of the
commercially available grades of synthetic graphite and our
standard Lac Knife spherical graphite,” said Dr. Doninger.
Figure
2. http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eecb53bd-2725-4e04-81a7-a0a4fd975851
This data was presented at the 30th International Electric
Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition held from October 9th to
11th, 2017, in Stuttgart, Germany. A copy of the paper presented is
available on the Focus website via the following
link: Electrochemical Performance of Lac Knife Natural
Crystalline Flake Graphite from Quebec, Canada in Lithium Ion
Batteries.
As shown above, a reversible capacity of 613
Ah/kg was achieved with the Lac Knife silicon-enhanced SPG at a
C/20 rate after the first cycle which is the same charging rate
that was used in the coin cell tests run on the synthetic and Lac
Knife graphite anode materials shown in Figure 1. Although the
irreversible capacity loss (ICL) after the first cycle was 26.4%
compared to 0.7% for the untreated SPG, the high reversible
capacity achieved with the silicon-enhanced SPG indeed is quite
remarkable particularly since these tests were conducted on an
uncoated grade of spherical graphite.
“Additional testing is being planned to optimize
both the formulations and process used to produce the
silicon-enhanced Lac Knife SPG. These tests, along with coating the
SPG with carbon to cushion the swelling that can occur due to the
presence of silicon in the graphite, should result in further
increases in the reversible capacity and decreases in the
irreversible capacity loss.
“Ultimately, we have developed a
silicon-enhanced graphite based anode that results in an incredible
increase in the capacity potential for lithium-ion batteries,” Dr.
Doninger said.
Mr. Economo said the Company’s ongoing,
long-term product testing program has contributed to the
development of a complete range of technology graphite products –
including new graphite products to the industry.
“The advances we have made in the development of
our superfine graphite anode materials, our expanded graphite for
Lithium-Ion battery cathodes and, now; silicon-enhanced spherical
graphite for anodes underscores our aims and objectives of meeting
industry needs,” Mr. Economo said.
“And that is, to provide manufacturers with
higher-performing, lower cost graphite materials and products to
meet next generational requirements,” he said.
Mr. Economo said battery manufacturers and
institutions are currently testing Focus’ Lac Knife graphite
products globally. The average testing period is approximately 24
months with some potential customers nearing the end of their
long-term evaluations.
The following figures provide a partial overview
of the scope of Focus Graphite’s silicon-doped graphite anode test
project results.
Figure
3. http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/668f3aaf-526b-4703-8a17-878bcddc5ff1
Figure
4. http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/25395abf-bad9-49e4-ad74-95f4334a2bde
Qualified Person
Dr. Joseph Doninger, Focus Graphite's Director of Technology and
Manufacturing is the Qualified Person under National Instrument
43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects - has
reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release.
Dr. Doninger is the developer and co-developer of a number of U.S.,
European and Canadian patents related to carbon processing
methodologies and processing equipment. Also, a chemical engineer,
Dr. Doninger is the author and co-author of some two dozen
technical papers and studies related to graphite composite anodes;
carbon-based materials for electrochemical energy storage systems;
advanced graphite for Lithium-ion batteries and other related
publications.
About Focus Graphite
Focus Graphite Inc. is an advanced exploration
and mining company with an objective of producing graphite
concentrate at its wholly owned Lac Knife flake graphite deposit
located 27 km south of Fermont, Québec. In a second stage, to meet
Quebec stakeholder interests of transformation within the province
and to add shareholder value. Focus is evaluating the feasibility
of producing value added graphite products including battery-grade
spherical graphite.
Focus Graphite is a technology-oriented graphite
mining development company with a vision for building long-term,
sustainable shareholder value. Focus also holds a significant
equity position in graphene applications developer Grafoid Inc.
For more information about Focus Graphite,
please visit www.focusgraphite.com.
Forward Looking Statement
This News Release contains "forward-looking
information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation.
All information contained herein that is not clearly historical in
nature may constitute forward-looking information. Generally, such
forward-looking information can be identified by the use of
forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not
expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates",
"forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or
"believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that
certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might"
or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking
information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties
and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of
activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be
materially different from those expressed or implied by such
forward-looking information, including but not limited to: (i)
volatile stock price; (ii) the general global markets and economic
conditions; (iii) the possibility of write-downs and impairments;
(iv) the risk associated with exploration, development and
operations of mineral deposits; (v) the risk associated with
establishing title to mineral properties and assets; (vi) the risks
associated with entering into joint ventures; (vii) fluctuations in
commodity prices; (viii) the risks associated with uninsurable
risks arising during the course of exploration, development and
production; (ix) competition faced by the Company in securing
experienced personnel and financing; (x) access to adequate
infrastructure to support mining, processing, development and
exploration activities; (xi) the risks associated with changes in
the mining regulatory regime governing the Company; (xii) the risks
associated with the various environmental regulations the Company
is subject to; (xiii) risks related to regulatory and permitting
delays; (xiv) risks related to potential conflicts of interest;
(xv) the reliance on key personnel; (xvi) liquidity risks; and
(xvii) the risk of potential dilution through the issue of common
shares.
Forward-looking information is based on
assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such
statements are made, including but not limited to, continued
exploration activities, no material adverse change in metal prices,
exploration and development plans proceeding in accordance with
plans and such plans achieving their stated expected outcomes,
receipt of required regulatory approvals, and such other
assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has
attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those contained in the
forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause
results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can
be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to
be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ
materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking
information. Such forward-looking information has been provided for
the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's
business, operations and exploration plans and may not be
appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, readers should not
place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
Forward-looking information is made as of the date of this News
Release, and the Company does not undertake to update such
forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable
securities laws.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its
Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for
the accuracy of this release.
Contact
Focus Graphite Inc.Mr. Gary EconomoPresident and
Chief Executive Officer+1
613-241-4040geconomo@focusgraphite.comwww.focusgraphite.com
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