GreenWave

Purpose and goal

The project aims to develop a sustainable method for producing graphite from biomass waste streams, supporting the green transition. The goal is to produce battery-grade graphite with at least 75% lower CO2 emissions compared to current fossil-derived graphite. This will be achieved by implementing new, energy-efficient graphitization technology, utilizing biomass waste streams mainly from forests instead of mining.

Expected effects and result

The project aligns well with the Impact Innovation Net Zero goals, i.e. a new, resilient, sustainable, energy-efficient, resource-efficient and competitive solution for the production of graphite/graphene, which, if successful, will reduce effective greenhouse gas emissions by more than 75% for such critical raw material production. In addition, this could potentially create a completely new, green manufacturing industry in Sweden that supplies critical raw materials for vehicles and batteries.

Planned approach and implementation

This project aims to utilize microwave heating for the graphitization of a precursor on a SiC wafer. Combining microwaves with a strong microwave absorber is expected to provide an effective basis for graphitization. In the initial phase of the project, the feasibility of this concept will be evaluated using a microwave cavity upgraded to endure the high temperatures and maintain the inert atmosphere necessary for the process.