Specialty Graphites for Energy Storage
Broad Base. Best Solutions.
Graphite Materials and Systems
Specialty Graphites for Energy Storage
22
Specialty Graphite and Process Solutions – made by SGL Group. ʈʈ Advanced material, equipment, and process solutions ʈʈ Engineered for customers from more than 35 industries ʈʈ Tailor-made from the most comprehensive product portfolio ʈʈ In-depth production and material knowledge ʈʈ Consistent high quality, performance, and service ʈʈ Attractive total cost of ownership
Broad Base. Best Solutions.
Business Unit Graphite Materials and Systems
3
Advanced solutions enable our customers to get ahead. SGL Group offers advanced solutions – even for challenging applications. We understand the specific requirements of our customers and combine in-depth production, material, and engineering knowledge with the most comprehensive specialty graphite portfolio. This makes us the partner of choice to leading companies in many different industries.
Exceptional resistance to heat and corrosion, high
SGL Group covers the entire value chain of
purity and mechanical strength are just a few of
specialty graphite production, including raw
the outstanding properties which our materials
material processing, semi-finished product
offer. Specialty graphite products from SGL Group
manufacture, precision machining, purification,
achieve optimal results where other materials fail.
and coating. When it comes to engineering of
No matter what your specific requirements might
equipment and process solutions our service
be, we will identify the best solution from the most
range makes the difference: We offer mechanical
comprehensive range of specialty graphites.
and process design, production, assembly, commissioning, and service – all from a one-stop shop.
ʈʈ Fine grain graphite: isostatic, vibrationmolded, die-molded, extruded
This is how we control and ensure the consistent
ʈʈ Expanded natural graphite
high quality, reliability, and performance of our
ʈʈ Carbon fiber-reinforced carbon (C/C)
products – and enable our customers to become
ʈʈ Soft and rigid graphite felts
more competitive. Challenge us. We are there for
ʈʈ Silicon carbide-coated graphite materials
you worldwide.
Additionally we use other materials like PTFE,
Specialty graphite solutions for energy storage
silicon carbide, and specialty metals.
Energy storage systems (ESS) are a key component
With our portfolio and technical know-how
in enabling the shift towards renewables making
spanning more than 35 different industries,
the energy revolution a success and ensuring
we engineer tailor-made solutions in close
the mobility of the future. With over 30 years of
partnership with our customers.
experience and an innovative product portfolio SGL Group is the preferred partner of leading
r Production of expanded graphite foils
companies worldwide.
4
Specialty graphites – made by SGL Group. Energy storage solutions.
SIGRACELL® is the new brand name for our specialty graphite for energy storage.
Lithium-ion batteries Flow batteries
Typical applications Lithium-ion batteries (LiB) Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB) Iron-chromium redox flow battery (FeCrRFB) Products Specialty graphites SIGRACELL® battery felts of the SGL Group SIGRACELL® bipolar plates
Materials made of Graphite anode materials Electrodes carbon and graphite Carbon composite anode materials Bipolar plates
SPECIALTY GRAPHITE solutions FOR ENERGY STORAGE
5
Energy storage systems (ESS) facilitate the efficient use of
Based on our long-term experience and close development
renewable energies and provide a fast and reliable solution
partnerships we provide tailor-made solutions to our
for off-grid energy supply. Thanks to the unique properties
customers.
specialty graphites play a vital role in this new applications. With their high electrical conductivity, corrosion-resistance and material purity our specialty graphites meet the highest standards for quality, efficiency and environmental compatibility. This leads to an increase of performance and reliability of energy storage in a wide range of applications.
Advanced batteries Fuel cells High-temperature batteries (NaNiCl2/NaS) Polymer-electrolyte fuel cells (PEM) Advanced lead-acid batteries (ALAB) Phosporic-acid fuel cells (PAFC) SIGRACELL® battery felts SIGRACELL® battery felts SIGRACELL® bipolar plates SIGRACELL® bipolar plates SIGRACELL® graphite foils SIGRACET® carbon paper Electrodes Electrodes Bipolar plates Bipolar plates Active Masses Gas diffusion layer (GDL)
More information can be found at
www.sigracet.com
6
Graphite powder for lithium-ion batteries Our cutting-edge battery lab creates tailormade material solutions for our customers and development partners. It enables us to develop and characterize new materials using particle engineering and working according to industry standards.
SPECIALTY GRAPHITEs FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
7
Specialty graphites for lithium-ion batteries Our graphite anode materials are used in lithiumion batteries for mobile consumer appliances, electric vehicles and energy storage systems for photovoltaic and wind. In order to spur technological progress even further, we invest in new generations of graphite-based anode materials and take active part in national and international networks. SGL Group is one of the largest manufacturers of LiB anode materials worldwide and plays a major role in the advancement of LiB technology. As a member of the Lithium-Ion Battery Competence Network (KLiB) we seek to strengthen Germany's competitiveness in this key technology. That’s why we are continuously working together
c LiB test cell production in a clean room atmosphere
with industrial enterprises and research institutions to improve battery cell performance, service life and safety.
For over 10 years we have been working in close cooperation with Hitachi Chemical Corporation, supplying our partner with anode material for lithium-ion batteries in consumer electronics, as well as for automotive and industrial applications.
c Electrode production at the Technology & Innovation Center for subsequent electrochemical characterization
b Anode material
for lithium-ion batteries
8
Specialty graphites for flow batteries Reliable and easily adaptable to meet the specific requirements.
Flow batteries enable energy storage on a scale of kWh to MWh and provide the perfect solution for
3
2
1
2
3
5
5 4
4
stationary applications. They are well-suited as temporary storage for grid stabilization, industrial back-up power, integration of renewables such as wind and photovoltaic as well as off-grid power supply for mobile radio transmitters and remote households. The main advantage of flow batteries is that they separate output (MW) and energy (MWh). The two can be adjusted independently of one another and are easily adaptable to the specific requirements at hand. SGL Group ranks among the leading manufacturers of specialty graphites and
Charge / Discharge
graphite components for redox flow batteries. We have applied our long-term experience and
c Schematic diagram
close cooperation with customers to develop special
of redox flow battery 1 Membrane 2 Permeable electrode 3 Bipolar plate 4 Storage electrode 5 Electrolyte
materials and products for energy storage: SIGRACELL battery felts and bipolar plates made of expanded graphite. Continuous improvement of our materials has significantly enhanced the performance and service life of our customers flow batteries.
Specialty graphites for flow batteries Applications Permeable electrodes Bipolar plates
SIGRACELL battery felts
SIGRACELL bipolar plates
○ ○
SPECIALTY GRAPHITEs FOR FLOW BATTERIES
9
Low cell resistivity and high electrolyte permeability are crucial factors for flow battery electrodes. Accordingly, the contact resistivity of the bipolar plate and felt electrode, as well as the permeability of the felt electrode largely depend on surface pressure and felt compression, and can be controlled by the compression rate: • As the compression rate increases, resistivity decreases, as does permeability. • Conversely, permeability and resistance increase as the compression rate decreases. Inhomogeneity in the battery felt can lead to impermeable areas reducing the overall performance of the system. Therefore SGL Group is continuously working on tighter tolerances for area weight and thickness of our battery felts. This enables our customers to optimize the compression rates to ensure the best battery performance possible. 2 1
c Flow battery components
3
1 Ion-exchange membrane 2 SIGRACELL battery felt 3 SIGRACELL bipolar plate
Electrolyte permeability of graphite felt electrodes
100
Electrolyte permeability [darcy]
Electrical resistivity [%]
80
60
40
20
0 0
5
Compression rate [%]
10
15
20
25
160
1.6E-10
140
1.4E-10
120
1.2E-10
100
1.0E-10
80
8.0E-11
60
6.0E-11
40
4.0E-11
20
2.0E-11 0.0E-11
0 0
5
10
15
Compression rate [%]
20
25
30
35
Electrolyte permeability [m2]
Relative electrical resistivity of graphite felt
10
Partner for environmentally friendly energy storage We have used our extensive understanding of specific customer requirements to refine our portfolio of carbon and graphite felts. The result: SIGRACELL battery felts for energy storage. In Gildemeister Energy Solutions’ flow battery system, they contribute to the rapid supply of clean and emission-free energy. They also increase safety and storage ability. This is just one example of an applicationspecific optimized solution from the SGL Group.
SPECIALTY GRAPHITEs FOR ADVANCED BATTERIES
11
Specialty graphites for advanced batteries High-performance, versatile, efficient.
Battery production has become unthinkable without specialty
SGL Group’s combination of application-oriented research,
graphites. This is because of the unique material properties
extensive knowledge of materials and expertise in process
they offer:
technology make it the partner of choice in carbon components for energy storage.
• Good electrical conductivity • Exceptional resistance to highly corrosive media
All material development work starts with a well-founded
• Low redox potential
understanding of the physical and chemical principles which determine the material’s subsequent use. SGL Group has
Specialty graphites play an important part in advanced
its own energy laboratory with experienced specialists at its
batteries of all kinds. These include high-temperature batteries
main technology and innovation research center, and works
such as sodium-sulfur and sodium-nickel-chloride batteries, as
in close cooperation with leading universities and institutes.
well as advanced lead-acid batteries. In this context, specialty
This allows us to incorporate new findings in the field of
graphites are used as permeable electrodes, bipolar plates or
electrochemical energy storage directly into our material
active masses.
development. The key to the top product quality we provide for battery applications is experience in selecting suitable raw materials. Our broad material base, long-term partnerships with suppliers and constant quality control measures ensure high-grade battery materials in tight tolerances. The continuous optimization of our processes puts us in a position to steadily improve quality and performance. Based on this approach SGL Group has launched the world’s most advanced felt production line in 2011 at our production site in Meitingen, Germany.
b Redox flow battery test cell in our in-house battery lab
Specialty graphites for advanced batteries Applications Permeable electrodes
SIGRACELL battery felts ○
SIGRACELL bipolar plates
SIGRACELL graphite foils
○
Bipolar plates
○
Active masses
○
12
SIGRACELL® battery felts
Permeable electrodes made of SIGRACELL carbon and graphite felts are the first choice for high-temperature batteries such as nickel-chloride and flow batteries. Our battery felts are used for anodes as well as cathodes. They facilitate an efficient charge exchange between the electrolyte and bipolar plate during battery charging and discharging. This is thanks to a unique combination of electrical conductivity, electrochemical stability, high porosity and good elasticity. The sizes we provide are even enough to cover the needs of large-scale redox flow systems. We supply battery felts in standard sizes up to 1200 mm (47.2") in width in 30 m (98") rolls. Beyond that, we produce carbon and graphite felts in customer-specific dimensions.
c SIGRACELL carbon and graphite felts
Advantage of our complete inhouse value chain
fiber
raw felt
carbonizing
carbon felt
graphitizing
graphite felt
cut-to-size
Material data for our SIGRACELL® battery felts Carbon and graphite felts
Units
GFA6 EA
KFD2.5 EA
GFD4.6 EA
Rayon
Polymer
Polymer
g/cm³
0.08
0.1
0.09
mm (in)
6 (0.24)
2.5 (0.10)
4.6 (0.18)
Fiber type (precursor) Bulk density Nominal thickness Area weight
g/m²
500
250
425
Electrical resistivity _|
Ωmm
< 12
< 30
Graphite Materials and Systems
Specialty Graphites for Energy Storage
22
Specialty Graphite and Process Solutions – made by SGL Group. ʈʈ Advanced material, equipment, and process solutions ʈʈ Engineered for customers from more than 35 industries ʈʈ Tailor-made from the most comprehensive product portfolio ʈʈ In-depth production and material knowledge ʈʈ Consistent high quality, performance, and service ʈʈ Attractive total cost of ownership
Broad Base. Best Solutions.
Business Unit Graphite Materials and Systems
3
Advanced solutions enable our customers to get ahead. SGL Group offers advanced solutions – even for challenging applications. We understand the specific requirements of our customers and combine in-depth production, material, and engineering knowledge with the most comprehensive specialty graphite portfolio. This makes us the partner of choice to leading companies in many different industries.
Exceptional resistance to heat and corrosion, high
SGL Group covers the entire value chain of
purity and mechanical strength are just a few of
specialty graphite production, including raw
the outstanding properties which our materials
material processing, semi-finished product
offer. Specialty graphite products from SGL Group
manufacture, precision machining, purification,
achieve optimal results where other materials fail.
and coating. When it comes to engineering of
No matter what your specific requirements might
equipment and process solutions our service
be, we will identify the best solution from the most
range makes the difference: We offer mechanical
comprehensive range of specialty graphites.
and process design, production, assembly, commissioning, and service – all from a one-stop shop.
ʈʈ Fine grain graphite: isostatic, vibrationmolded, die-molded, extruded
This is how we control and ensure the consistent
ʈʈ Expanded natural graphite
high quality, reliability, and performance of our
ʈʈ Carbon fiber-reinforced carbon (C/C)
products – and enable our customers to become
ʈʈ Soft and rigid graphite felts
more competitive. Challenge us. We are there for
ʈʈ Silicon carbide-coated graphite materials
you worldwide.
Additionally we use other materials like PTFE,
Specialty graphite solutions for energy storage
silicon carbide, and specialty metals.
Energy storage systems (ESS) are a key component
With our portfolio and technical know-how
in enabling the shift towards renewables making
spanning more than 35 different industries,
the energy revolution a success and ensuring
we engineer tailor-made solutions in close
the mobility of the future. With over 30 years of
partnership with our customers.
experience and an innovative product portfolio SGL Group is the preferred partner of leading
r Production of expanded graphite foils
companies worldwide.
4
Specialty graphites – made by SGL Group. Energy storage solutions.
SIGRACELL® is the new brand name for our specialty graphite for energy storage.
Lithium-ion batteries Flow batteries
Typical applications Lithium-ion batteries (LiB) Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB) Iron-chromium redox flow battery (FeCrRFB) Products Specialty graphites SIGRACELL® battery felts of the SGL Group SIGRACELL® bipolar plates
Materials made of Graphite anode materials Electrodes carbon and graphite Carbon composite anode materials Bipolar plates
SPECIALTY GRAPHITE solutions FOR ENERGY STORAGE
5
Energy storage systems (ESS) facilitate the efficient use of
Based on our long-term experience and close development
renewable energies and provide a fast and reliable solution
partnerships we provide tailor-made solutions to our
for off-grid energy supply. Thanks to the unique properties
customers.
specialty graphites play a vital role in this new applications. With their high electrical conductivity, corrosion-resistance and material purity our specialty graphites meet the highest standards for quality, efficiency and environmental compatibility. This leads to an increase of performance and reliability of energy storage in a wide range of applications.
Advanced batteries Fuel cells High-temperature batteries (NaNiCl2/NaS) Polymer-electrolyte fuel cells (PEM) Advanced lead-acid batteries (ALAB) Phosporic-acid fuel cells (PAFC) SIGRACELL® battery felts SIGRACELL® battery felts SIGRACELL® bipolar plates SIGRACELL® bipolar plates SIGRACELL® graphite foils SIGRACET® carbon paper Electrodes Electrodes Bipolar plates Bipolar plates Active Masses Gas diffusion layer (GDL)
More information can be found at
www.sigracet.com
6
Graphite powder for lithium-ion batteries Our cutting-edge battery lab creates tailormade material solutions for our customers and development partners. It enables us to develop and characterize new materials using particle engineering and working according to industry standards.
SPECIALTY GRAPHITEs FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
7
Specialty graphites for lithium-ion batteries Our graphite anode materials are used in lithiumion batteries for mobile consumer appliances, electric vehicles and energy storage systems for photovoltaic and wind. In order to spur technological progress even further, we invest in new generations of graphite-based anode materials and take active part in national and international networks. SGL Group is one of the largest manufacturers of LiB anode materials worldwide and plays a major role in the advancement of LiB technology. As a member of the Lithium-Ion Battery Competence Network (KLiB) we seek to strengthen Germany's competitiveness in this key technology. That’s why we are continuously working together
c LiB test cell production in a clean room atmosphere
with industrial enterprises and research institutions to improve battery cell performance, service life and safety.
For over 10 years we have been working in close cooperation with Hitachi Chemical Corporation, supplying our partner with anode material for lithium-ion batteries in consumer electronics, as well as for automotive and industrial applications.
c Electrode production at the Technology & Innovation Center for subsequent electrochemical characterization
b Anode material
for lithium-ion batteries
8
Specialty graphites for flow batteries Reliable and easily adaptable to meet the specific requirements.
Flow batteries enable energy storage on a scale of kWh to MWh and provide the perfect solution for
3
2
1
2
3
5
5 4
4
stationary applications. They are well-suited as temporary storage for grid stabilization, industrial back-up power, integration of renewables such as wind and photovoltaic as well as off-grid power supply for mobile radio transmitters and remote households. The main advantage of flow batteries is that they separate output (MW) and energy (MWh). The two can be adjusted independently of one another and are easily adaptable to the specific requirements at hand. SGL Group ranks among the leading manufacturers of specialty graphites and
Charge / Discharge
graphite components for redox flow batteries. We have applied our long-term experience and
c Schematic diagram
close cooperation with customers to develop special
of redox flow battery 1 Membrane 2 Permeable electrode 3 Bipolar plate 4 Storage electrode 5 Electrolyte
materials and products for energy storage: SIGRACELL battery felts and bipolar plates made of expanded graphite. Continuous improvement of our materials has significantly enhanced the performance and service life of our customers flow batteries.
Specialty graphites for flow batteries Applications Permeable electrodes Bipolar plates
SIGRACELL battery felts
SIGRACELL bipolar plates
○ ○
SPECIALTY GRAPHITEs FOR FLOW BATTERIES
9
Low cell resistivity and high electrolyte permeability are crucial factors for flow battery electrodes. Accordingly, the contact resistivity of the bipolar plate and felt electrode, as well as the permeability of the felt electrode largely depend on surface pressure and felt compression, and can be controlled by the compression rate: • As the compression rate increases, resistivity decreases, as does permeability. • Conversely, permeability and resistance increase as the compression rate decreases. Inhomogeneity in the battery felt can lead to impermeable areas reducing the overall performance of the system. Therefore SGL Group is continuously working on tighter tolerances for area weight and thickness of our battery felts. This enables our customers to optimize the compression rates to ensure the best battery performance possible. 2 1
c Flow battery components
3
1 Ion-exchange membrane 2 SIGRACELL battery felt 3 SIGRACELL bipolar plate
Electrolyte permeability of graphite felt electrodes
100
Electrolyte permeability [darcy]
Electrical resistivity [%]
80
60
40
20
0 0
5
Compression rate [%]
10
15
20
25
160
1.6E-10
140
1.4E-10
120
1.2E-10
100
1.0E-10
80
8.0E-11
60
6.0E-11
40
4.0E-11
20
2.0E-11 0.0E-11
0 0
5
10
15
Compression rate [%]
20
25
30
35
Electrolyte permeability [m2]
Relative electrical resistivity of graphite felt
10
Partner for environmentally friendly energy storage We have used our extensive understanding of specific customer requirements to refine our portfolio of carbon and graphite felts. The result: SIGRACELL battery felts for energy storage. In Gildemeister Energy Solutions’ flow battery system, they contribute to the rapid supply of clean and emission-free energy. They also increase safety and storage ability. This is just one example of an applicationspecific optimized solution from the SGL Group.
SPECIALTY GRAPHITEs FOR ADVANCED BATTERIES
11
Specialty graphites for advanced batteries High-performance, versatile, efficient.
Battery production has become unthinkable without specialty
SGL Group’s combination of application-oriented research,
graphites. This is because of the unique material properties
extensive knowledge of materials and expertise in process
they offer:
technology make it the partner of choice in carbon components for energy storage.
• Good electrical conductivity • Exceptional resistance to highly corrosive media
All material development work starts with a well-founded
• Low redox potential
understanding of the physical and chemical principles which determine the material’s subsequent use. SGL Group has
Specialty graphites play an important part in advanced
its own energy laboratory with experienced specialists at its
batteries of all kinds. These include high-temperature batteries
main technology and innovation research center, and works
such as sodium-sulfur and sodium-nickel-chloride batteries, as
in close cooperation with leading universities and institutes.
well as advanced lead-acid batteries. In this context, specialty
This allows us to incorporate new findings in the field of
graphites are used as permeable electrodes, bipolar plates or
electrochemical energy storage directly into our material
active masses.
development. The key to the top product quality we provide for battery applications is experience in selecting suitable raw materials. Our broad material base, long-term partnerships with suppliers and constant quality control measures ensure high-grade battery materials in tight tolerances. The continuous optimization of our processes puts us in a position to steadily improve quality and performance. Based on this approach SGL Group has launched the world’s most advanced felt production line in 2011 at our production site in Meitingen, Germany.
b Redox flow battery test cell in our in-house battery lab
Specialty graphites for advanced batteries Applications Permeable electrodes
SIGRACELL battery felts ○
SIGRACELL bipolar plates
SIGRACELL graphite foils
○
Bipolar plates
○
Active masses
○
12
SIGRACELL® battery felts
Permeable electrodes made of SIGRACELL carbon and graphite felts are the first choice for high-temperature batteries such as nickel-chloride and flow batteries. Our battery felts are used for anodes as well as cathodes. They facilitate an efficient charge exchange between the electrolyte and bipolar plate during battery charging and discharging. This is thanks to a unique combination of electrical conductivity, electrochemical stability, high porosity and good elasticity. The sizes we provide are even enough to cover the needs of large-scale redox flow systems. We supply battery felts in standard sizes up to 1200 mm (47.2") in width in 30 m (98") rolls. Beyond that, we produce carbon and graphite felts in customer-specific dimensions.
c SIGRACELL carbon and graphite felts
Advantage of our complete inhouse value chain
fiber
raw felt
carbonizing
carbon felt
graphitizing
graphite felt
cut-to-size
Material data for our SIGRACELL® battery felts Carbon and graphite felts
Units
GFA6 EA
KFD2.5 EA
GFD4.6 EA
Rayon
Polymer
Polymer
g/cm³
0.08
0.1
0.09
mm (in)
6 (0.24)
2.5 (0.10)
4.6 (0.18)
Fiber type (precursor) Bulk density Nominal thickness Area weight
g/m²
500
250
425
Electrical resistivity _|
Ωmm
< 12
< 30
