Raw data of paper Analysis of gasification biochar from lignocellulosic waste for high performance biographite anode. Summary:
Renewable graphite from low-grade waste is an alternative for fossil-derived graphite for anodes in lithium-ion batteries. There are various thermochemical processes available for producing battery grade biographite. The biochar coming from gasifiers is currently considered to have limited usefulness, despite its carbon-rich composition. In this study we focus on the biochar by-product of gasification from a novel 50 kWth Indirectly Heated Bubbling Fluidized Bed Steam Reformer (IHBFBSR) design, which is treated with a graphitization step. The high crystallinity and good initial performance make it a mature candidate for use as raw material in lithium ion batteries. The resulting graphitized biochar (biographite) is characterized by using X-ray crystallography, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to assess its crystallinity, morphology, surface composition and subsurface composition respectively. The material is tested in half cell batteries for use in lithium-ion batteries. The graphite has a high crystallinity which is necessary for good lithium diffusivity in the lattice structure. Also 96% of the theoretical graphite capacity in lithium-ion batteries is found. The biographite flakes are however non homogeneous in size. Also in battery half cells the material shows capacity fade linked to exfoliation of the material. The initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) during charging is lower than conventional graphites due to surface reactivity. Size distribution, exfoliation and ICE must therefor be addressed to make the IHBFBSR biographite fit for battery utility.