Magnis Energy Technologies Ltd (ASX:MNS, OTCQX:MNSEF) has fielded what it considers “exceptional” results for its coated spherical graphite (CSPG) battery anodes using only mechanical processes with shares trading higher as a result.
The high-performance anodes — which use graphite from Magnis’ Nachu project in Tanzania — were validated using commercial-grade lithium-ion battery cells without any chemical, acid or thermal purification techniques.
This means Magnis’ greener, energy-saving anode processing technology can produce a high-yield CSPG product with a low carbon footprint.
"Truly remarkable"
Magnis chair Frank Poullas said the company was blessed to have such an amazing resource.
“Being able to produce a high quality, high performing green anode product at +99.95% purity or above without any acid, chemicals or thermal purification while using mechanical processes only, is truly remarkable,” he explained.
Investors welcomed the news, sending shares as much as 9.8% higher to A$0.45 while the company's market cap is approximately A$420 million.
The results are in
Magnis tested the electrochemical battery performance of its Nachu CSPG anodes using commercial-grade li-ion battery cells, which endured more than 1,000 cycles while retaining at least 90% of their initial cell capacity.
According to MNS, this demonstrates the robust lifespan of its Nachu CSPG anode material — and that it’s ready for the next step towards commercialisation.
A greener processing technology
Magnis was also able to produce a commercial- and battery-grade li-ion CSPG anode with its technology partner, Charge CCCV (or C4V for short).
C4V developed and patented the graphite anode processing technology at its pilot facility at Binghamton University in New York, which has operated for the last six years.
The technology partner’s ‘greener’ processing technology opts for a mechanical approach during the micronisation, purification and spheronisation stages as it puts the high-purity Nachu concentrate feedstock through its paces — eliminating the need for toxic chemical and energy-intensive thermal purification steps.
Moreover, C4V’s scalable tech has been able to obtain a much higher anode product yield (around 70%) at the pilot-scale, compared to the conventional graphite anode plant yield (landing around 30-40%).
Magnis has exclusivity around C4V’s proprietary anode processing technology.
Where is the graphite from?
Magnis can produce ultra-high purity (+99%) natural flake graphite (NFG) concentrate feedstock from its wholly-owned Nachu Graphite Project in Tanzania without any ‘nasty and dirty’ chemical purification process.
The company says the inherent crystal structure and unique characteristics of Nachu NFG ore helps it process the high-purity concentrate into an ultra-high purity (+99.95%) CSPG anode product with a high yield.