US 12,463,202 B2
Method for the production of a silicon-graphite composite material
Fengming Liu, Reading (GB)
Assigned to TALGA TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED, Cambridge (GB)
Filed by Talga Technologies Limited, Histon (GB)
Filed on Dec. 19, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/987,944.
Application 18/987,944 is a continuation of application No. PCT/IB2023/056554, filed on Jun. 26, 2023.
Claims priority of application No. 2022901793 (AU), filed on Jun. 27, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2025/0149550 A1, May 8, 2025
Int. Cl. H01M 4/36 (2006.01); H01M 4/38 (2006.01); H01M 4/587 (2010.01)
CPC H01M 4/364 (2013.01) [H01M 4/386 (2013.01); H01M 4/587 (2013.01)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for the production of a silicon-graphite composite material, the method comprising the following steps:
(i) drying a concentrate of a silicate containing graphite material comprising a natural graphite material that has a silica/silicate naturally distributed therein;
(ii) mixing the graphite material with magnesium powder;
(iii) a reduction step comprising transferring the mixture from step (ii) to a furnace whilst subject to a flow of an inert gas, at a temperature of about 600-900° C. for about 1-4 hrs, at the conclusion of which the mixture is allowed to cool;
(iv) an oxidation step in which as the temperature cools to about 500-550° C. the inert gas flow is stopped, and air is allowed into the furnace, after which the temperature of about 500-550° C. is maintained for about 1-2 hrs, at the conclusion of which the mixture is allowed to cool to room temperature; and
(v) a leach step in HCl, as a purification step, with a residence time of between about 1-3 hrs, after which the resulting residue/powder is separated.