Advantages and development prospects of graphitized petroleum coke

Graphitized petroleum coke (GPC) is the product of petroleum coke graphitized at high temperature (2500~3000℃). It has high carbon content, excellent conductivity and chemical stability, and is widely used in lithium battery negative electrode materials, metallurgy, nuclear industry and other fields. With the rapid development of new energy and high-end manufacturing industries, the market demand for graphitized petroleum coke continues to grow, and the prospects are broad.

1. The main advantages of graphitized petroleum coke

High conductivity and thermal conductivity

After graphitization, the carbon atoms of petroleum coke are arranged more regularly, the crystal structure is close to natural graphite, and the resistivity is low (about 5~10 μΩ·m), which is suitable for fields with high conductivity requirements such as lithium battery negative electrode and electrode materials.

Strong chemical stability

Graphitized petroleum coke is resistant to high temperature (up to 3000℃), oxidation resistance, and corrosion resistance. It performs well in harsh environments such as aluminum electrolytic cells and electric arc furnaces, and has a long service life.

High purity and low impurities

The carbon content of high-quality graphitized petroleum coke is ≥99.5%, and the content of impurities such as sulfur and ash is extremely low (sulfur ≤0.5%), which meets the needs of high-end lithium batteries and special materials.

Good mechanical strength

The graphitization process increases the density and hardness of the material, making it not easy to break during processing and use, and suitable for high-load industrial scenarios.

2. Application field analysis

Lithium-ion battery negative electrode material

Graphitized petroleum coke is the main raw material for artificial graphite negative electrode, with high specific capacity (up to 340~360 mAh/g) and excellent cycle performance, benefiting from the explosive growth of new energy vehicles and energy storage industries.

Metallurgical industry

Cathode materials for aluminum electrolytic cells, carbon enhancers for steelmaking, etc., can improve smelting efficiency and product quality.

Nuclear industry and aerospace materials

High-purity graphitized coke can be used for high-temperature resistant components such as nuclear reactor moderators and rocket nozzles.

3. Industry development prospects

New energy demand drives growth

The global lithium battery market is expected to exceed 2TWh in 2030, and the annual growth rate of negative electrode material demand exceeds 20%. As a key raw material, graphitized petroleum coke continues to expand its market space.

Technology upgrades promote high-end development

Enterprises reduce costs by improving graphitization processes (such as continuous graphitization technology), while developing high-capacity and fast-charging negative electrode materials to increase product added value.

Environmental protection policies promote industrial upgrading

The high pollution problem of traditional calcined petroleum coke has prompted the industry to transform to clean production. Graphitized petroleum coke is more in line with environmental protection requirements due to its low sulfur characteristics.

Conclusion

Graphitized petroleum coke has become one of the core materials for new energy and high-end manufacturing due to its excellent performance and wide application. In the future, with the advancement of technology and the growth of market demand, its industrial scale will be further expanded, and it will develop in the direction of high purity, low cost and green manufacturing, and the prospects are promising.