Graphite: Explore the road to technological upgrading
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September 01 08:39:47, 2025
**Abstract**
In recent years, China's graphite industry has gained increasing attention from the government, particularly in terms of technological innovation. Experts and academicians have also provided strong support for its development. The "Industry Access Conditions" issued at the end of last year emphasized that new high-purity graphite projects should be built, renovated, or expanded, with energy-saving and environmental protection measures in place. It also required the adoption of advanced technologies such as electrolytic oxidation or strong acid impregnation for new and expanded projects. Additionally, flexible graphite projects were encouraged to use continuous expansion and calendering molding processes. With these efforts, many graphite companies have started deep processing projects to compete in the market. However, due to late starts, lack of technology, limited funding, and talent shortages, some enterprises struggle with technological development, leading to slow progress. This article explores the current status of graphite technology, the needs of enterprises, and potential future directions.
**Technology Upgrades and Initial Results**
At the beginning of August, the annual meeting of the Graphite Industry Technology Innovation Strategic Alliance was held in Jixi City, Heilongjiang Province. Journalists and participants visited the Jixi Graphite Industrial Park and several local enterprises. The park has seen significant growth, with new projects and advanced technologies being introduced. Entrepreneurs are developing new products and expanding their operations.
These achievements, once unimaginable, reflect rapid development in the industry. A local executive noted that the graphite industry has grown faster than expected in recent years. According to Professor Shen Wanci from Tsinghua University, until the 1980s, China's graphite industry only had basic mining and purification techniques, which lagged behind global standards by decades. In the late 1980s, a surge in exports led to over-mining and environmental issues. However, since the 1990s, driven by the lithium-ion battery industry, China began producing spherical graphite and anode materials, reaching international levels.
With growing awareness, graphite is now recognized as a strategic resource. In 2011, ten academicians proposed establishing a national high-tech graphite industrial base in Heilongjiang, which received support from the State Council. The Ministry of Science and Technology launched a national science and technology support program, allocating about 150 million yuan, and established a technology innovation service platform. These initiatives have helped many companies move toward deep processing.
Heilongjiang Aoyu Graphite Group is one such company. They have developed ultra-fine spherical graphite with particle sizes below 8 microns, which is sold internationally. Another company, Jixihao New Energy Materials, improved its production process to reach higher temperatures, achieving stable graphitization and high carbon content. These advancements show promising growth in the sector.
Despite progress, challenges remain. Compared to developed countries, China’s graphite industry still lags in deep processing, product quality, and technological content. While some technologies like ultra-fine graphene and high-purity graphite are emerging, there is still a long way to go. Advanced countries like the U.S., Japan, and Germany dominate the market, using China's raw materials to produce high-value products.
Experts suggest that China must focus on protecting large-scale graphite resources, improving mining practices, and enhancing technical capabilities. There is also a need for better tailings management and more sustainable production methods. Future development should prioritize high-purity, high-density flexible graphite, fine flake graphite, and graphene-based materials. By extending the industrial chain and promoting innovation, China can transform its graphite industry from resource advantage into economic and technological strength.