New Delhi — Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have demonstrated a method to turn discarded polyethylene terephthalate (PET) beverage bottles into high‑purity graphite suitable for lithium‑ion battery anodes, a development that could lower the material cost and environmental impact of electric‑vehicle (EV) batteries.
The team, led by Prof. Prakash Rao, used a series of thermal and chemical treatments to break down the polymer chains of PET and reorganize the carbon atoms into a layered graphite structure. Laboratory tests showed the resulting material achieved a specific capacity of 350 mAh g⁻¹ and a coulombic efficiency above 99 %, meeting the performance criteria for commercial battery-grade graphite.
“By up‑cycling a ubiquitous waste stream, we address two challenges simultaneously: plastic pollution and the scarcity of high‑purity graphite,” Rao said in a press briefing. The process reportedly consumes less energy than traditional graphite mining and purification, and it eliminates the need for hazardous chemicals such as hydrofluoric acid, which are commonly used in graphite production.
Industry analysts note that graphite accounts for roughly 30 % of a lithium‑ion battery’s cost. If the technology scales, it could reduce reliance on imports, as India currently sources most of its battery-grade graphite from China and other overseas suppliers.
The researchers filed a provisional patent for the method and are seeking partnerships with EV manufacturers and recycling firms to pilot the technology at a larger scale. Funding for the project came from the Department of Science and Technology’s (DST) Innovation Fund, with additional support from a private venture capital firm focused on clean‑tech startups.
Analysis:
The breakthrough aligns with India’s broader push to expand domestic EV production and meet its target of 30 % electric mobility by 2030. By converting PET waste—an estimated 9.5 million tonnes generated annually in India—into a high‑value material, the approach could create a new revenue stream for waste‑management operators while reducing the carbon footprint of battery supply chains. However, commercial viability will depend on scaling the process economically, securing consistent feedstock quality, and integrating the graphite into existing battery manufacturing lines without compromising safety or performance.
Sources
Times of India, “Scientists transform waste plastic bottles into battery‑grade graphite for electric vehicles,” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/science/scientists-transform-waste-plastic-bottles-into-battery-grade-graphite-for-electric-vehicles/articleshow/132177644.cms
Story synopsis gathered from: Times of India – Top Stories — source
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