Graphite vs. Niobium

Battery technology continues to evolve, with different anode materials offering distinct advantages for specific applications. Understanding the characteristics of graphite and niobium-based anodes is crucial for selecting the most appropriate battery technology for each use case.

You can read more in our whitepaper >

Graphite-based anodes explained

Graphite dominates today's lithium-ion battery market, commanding over 90% market share. This prevalence stems from its ability to deliver high energy density at a low cost per kWh, making it particularly well-suited for passenger electric vehicles. However, graphite-based cells face significant limitations that affect their suitability for demanding industrial applications.

*Comparative global warming potential (GWP) for XNO, LTO, and graphite active materials.*

Performance characteristics

Graphite-based cells offer specific advantages:

Energy density up to 600 Wh/L for NMC-Graphite cells
Cost-effective solution for consumer applications
Well-established manufacturing processes

Key limitations

Fast-Charging Constraints

Maximum charge rate typically limited to 4C
Cannot maintain fast charging across full state of charge range
Risk of lithium dendrite growth presenting safety concerns
Significantly reduced cycle life under fast-charging conditions

Temperature Sensitivity

Operating temperature during charging limited to -10°C to 60°C
Requires complex engineering solutions including:

Specialised coatings
Morphology control
Sophisticated cooling systems

Struggles with long-life, high-power applications across temperature ranges

Lifecycle Limitations

Cycle life ranging from 500-5,000 cycles
Performance degradation due to solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation
Limited lifespan in demanding industrial applications

Niobium-based XNO® technology

The development of XNO® technology represents a significant advancement in addressing the limitations of traditional graphite anodes, particularly for industrial applications.

Table 1: Comparison of anodes for Li-ion batteries

	XNO	Graphite	LTO	Silicon	Li metal
Charge Timeto 80% SoC CC (mins)	3-10	20-60	3-10	10-60	15-60
Cycle Life (cycles)	Over 10,000	500-5,000	Over 10,000	500-1000	200-500
Power Density	+++	++	+++	++	++
Safety	+++	+	+++	-	-
Temperature range during charging (oC)	-40-60	-10-60	-40-60	-10-60	-10-60
Cell Energy Density (Wh/L)	Up to 425	Up to 600	Up to 230	Up to 1000	Up to 1000
Ready for market?	Now	Now	Now	2025	2030+

*Dependent on factors like cell design and cycling conditions

Technical specifications

XNO® material characteristics:

BET surface area: 0.6-0.8 m² g⁻¹
Average particle diameter: 4-6 µm
Material true density: >4.5 g cm⁻³
High electrode density (3g/cm³)
Low porosity achievable (<30%)
Initial Coulombic Efficiency: >98%
Specific reversible capacity: 208-218 mAh/g

Performance advantages

Superior Fast-Charging Capability

Achieves 80% state of charge in 3-10 minutes
Maintains performance without compromising safety or lifespan
Demonstrates excellent capacity retention at high charge rates

Extended Operational Life

Exceeds 10,000 cycles, with >12,000 cycle life demonstrated
Optimised crystal structure maintains stability
Enables decade-long operational lifespans

Enhanced Safety Profile

Operates at safer voltage range (~1.6V vs Li/Li+)
Prevents lithium plating
Functions effectively from -40°C to 60°C
Provides inherent resistance to thermal runaway

Energy Performance

Achieves up to 425 Wh/L cell design
Compatible with both NMP and aqueous electrode preparation methods
Compatible with various cathode materials (NMC, NCA, LNMO)

Environmental Impact

A comprehensive lifecycle analysis completed in 2023 demonstrates significant environmental advantages:

51% reduction in global warming potential compared to LTO batteries at material production level
61% lower global warming potential than LTO batteries at energy delivery level
64% reduction in environmental impact compared to graphite
Lower carbon footprint in production processes
Reduced electronic waste through extended operational life

Industrial applications

XNO® technology addresses specific needs across multiple sectors:

Maritime Operations

Short-range vessels (inland ferries, tugs)
Battery-supported hybrid propulsion for medium to long-range vessels
Transient load support and peak shaving applications

Rail Transport

Battery-electric solutions without overhead infrastructure
Urban transport systems requiring aesthetic considerations
Network expansion without extensive infrastructure modification

Mining Operations

Haul truck electrification
High-power industrial equipment
Operations requiring consistent performance in challenging conditions

The market opportunity

These industrial sectors represent an underserviced market approaching 100 GWh by 2030, with specific requirements including:

Highest safety standards
Lowest total cost of ownership
Maximum operational productivity
Extended service life measured in decades
Reliable performance across temperature extremes

Future outlook

While graphite maintains its position in consumer electronics and passenger vehicles, XNO® material offer compelling advantages for industrial applications, prioritising fast charging, long life, and safety. The technology's proven scalability to 50 tonnes per year production capacity and its environmental benefits position it as a crucial enabler for industrial electrification.

Conclusion

XNO® technology represents a significant advancement in battery technology, particularly suited to demanding industrial applications. Its superior technical specifications, environmental benefits, and proven performance characteristics make it an ideal choice for sectors requiring reliable, long-lasting, and sustainable energy storage solutions. As industries increasingly focus on electrification and sustainability, XNO® technology provides a proven pathway to achieving these objectives while meeting rigorous performance requirements.

Explore the possibilities and join us in revolutionising the battery industry >