Characterization and modification of graphite to advanced value-added products

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Zenyatta Ventures Ltd. is currently developing a very unique graphite deposit that is located in Ontario, Canada. This NSERC CRD project will mainly focus on the characterization of Zenyatta's graphite and the development of new derivative nanomaterials for practical applications across multiple sectors. We will carry out the physicochemical characterization of Zenyatta's graphite using surface characterization techniques and investigate its electrochemical behaviors using various electrochemical methods. We will synthesize carbon nanocomposites, activated carbon, graphene oxide and graphene from Zenyatta's graphite using chemical, electrochemical, and hydrothermal strategies, and explore their applications in water purification, energy conversion and energy storage. The knowledge to be gained from this CRD project will not only assist Zenyatta in the development of its unique graphite deposit toward the production and applications of its ultrapure graphite, but also address current challenges in the establishment of the controllable fabrication of carbon nanomaterials with desired morphologies, structures, functionalities, and surface chemistries. The global market for graphite currently stands at approximately $13 billion per year. The production of metals and carbon-based materials constitutes a considerable segment of the Canadian economy, and the economy of Northwestern Ontario relies on the mining industry to a large extent. The production of high purity natural graphite is on the rise; and it is anticipated that Canada will contribute ~50,000 tons per year to the global graphite producing capacity in 2016. Last but not least, this project will train HQP in the areas of electrometallurgy, graphite based advanced carbon nanomaterials and their emerging environmental and energy applications. The workforce in Canadian mining sector is aging at a rapid pace; hence there is an urgent need to replace retiring personnel by young HQP who are trained in this area.