In 2024, University of Chicago researchers turned discarded bio-oil char into graphite; 8 hours of cooling made crystals 5 times thicker and over 15 times wider

US researchers have developed a method to convert plant waste into high-quality graphite. This breakthrough offers a potential domestic source for a critical battery component. The new process involves slow cooling of biochar, creating larger graphite crystals. This sustainable alternative could reduce reliance on imported graphite for electronics. Further development is needed to scale up production and lower costs for commercial use.