Plastic Upcycled Synthetic Graphite (PLUS-Graphite)
Category: Mechanical/Materials
Developers: National Energy Technology Laboratory
Product Description:Plastic Upcycled Synthetic Graphite (PLUS-Graphite) is a technology that converts polyethylene waste into graphite used for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries. PLUS-Graphite establishes a domestic supply chain for graphite while preventing water bottles, shopping bags and other forms of plastic waste from making their way into landfills and waterways. Plastic Upcycled Synthetic Graphite (PLUS-Graphite) is a synthetic graphite made from waste polyethylene (PE). PLUS-Graphite converts polyethylene waste into highly crystalline graphite powder used to produce lithium‑ion batteries for trains and vehicles, military drones, space exploration probes, emergency backup power systems, tools and many other devices. PLUS-Graphite diverts single-use plastics and other PE waste from the world’s oceans and landfills into the manufacturing sector, where it can be utilized for beneficial, revenue-generating purposes. Graphite is a critical mineral necessary for the growth of the U.S. economy. Currently, the production of graphite is controlled by foreign countries. PLUS-Graphite can help generate a strong domestic supply of a critical mineral needed to support U.S. national and economic security. The NETL Carbon Materials Manufacturing Team created this technology in less than 24 months and on a total budget of $350,000. Funding was provided by NETL’s Laboratory Directed Research and Development (NETL-LDRD) program to catalyze the development of high-risk, high-reward technologies that advance the U.S. Department of Energy’s mission.
Developers: National Energy Technology Laboratory
Product Description:Plastic Upcycled Synthetic Graphite (PLUS-Graphite) is a technology that converts polyethylene waste into graphite used for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries. PLUS-Graphite establishes a domestic supply chain for graphite while preventing water bottles, shopping bags and other forms of plastic waste from making their way into landfills and waterways. Plastic Upcycled Synthetic Graphite (PLUS-Graphite) is a synthetic graphite made from waste polyethylene (PE). PLUS-Graphite converts polyethylene waste into highly crystalline graphite powder used to produce lithium‑ion batteries for trains and vehicles, military drones, space exploration probes, emergency backup power systems, tools and many other devices. PLUS-Graphite diverts single-use plastics and other PE waste from the world’s oceans and landfills into the manufacturing sector, where it can be utilized for beneficial, revenue-generating purposes. Graphite is a critical mineral necessary for the growth of the U.S. economy. Currently, the production of graphite is controlled by foreign countries. PLUS-Graphite can help generate a strong domestic supply of a critical mineral needed to support U.S. national and economic security. The NETL Carbon Materials Manufacturing Team created this technology in less than 24 months and on a total budget of $350,000. Funding was provided by NETL’s Laboratory Directed Research and Development (NETL-LDRD) program to catalyze the development of high-risk, high-reward technologies that advance the U.S. Department of Energy’s mission.
