Project update

GR4FITE3 project achieves milestone in sustainable battery-grade graphite production 

Image of graphite

11 June 2025 — The launch of large-scale production of battery-grade graphite marks a key step in the industrialization of sustainable, European-sourced graphite materials.

We are thrilled to announce a special milestone in the GR4FITE3 project: the launch of large-scale production of battery-grade graphite for our pilot line and future scale-up activities. This significant advancement marks a pivotal step toward the industrialization of European-based, sustainable graphite materials for next-generation Li-ion battery technologies. 

We are proud to share the substantial progress made in developing high-quality, spheronized natural graphite. Fundación CIDETEC, in collaboration with project partners ZAVALIVSKIY GRAPHITE LTD. (ZVG), Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design (KNUTD), and the Gas Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (IG), is intensifying its R&D efforts. These are focused on material characterization, purification processes, and surface treatment techniques (following successful particle spheronization) essential to transition laboratory-proven innovations into commercial readiness. A key goal is to maintain the high performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability of the material throughout the scale-up process. 

Currently, the CIDETEC team is actively engaged in scaling up aqueous-based electrode fabrication. This includes optimizing coating processes and validating prototype pouch cells (with capacities under 1 Ah), initially using commercially available natural graphite. The insights gained from these trials will directly inform and enhance the future application of GR4FITE3-developed graphite material. 

This progress represents a critical step toward delivering innovative, eco-conscious solutions to the energy storage sector, reinforcing Europe’s drive for battery independence and a greener future. 

FE-SEM micrograph of GR4FITE3 spheronized natural graphite showing uniform and well-rounded particles (~10 µm), ideal for enhanced electrode packing in battery applications. – Picture courtesy of CIDETEC.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue advancing toward a new benchmark in battery-grade graphite development!

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