Promising energy-storage applications by flotation of graphite ores: A review

Abstract

Graphite-based materials have attracted extensive attention due to their structure and excellent conductivity. Thus, the graphite-based ore industry has developed quickly. However, a complete industrial chain from raw materials, research and development (R & D), various types of applications, and commercial products have not yet been fully formed. To further accelerate the process of industrialization, optimizing the beneficiation process is necessary for improving the valuable minerals because of the difference in physical and chemical properties of the mineral. This review briefly introduces the standard beneficiation methods: gravity, magnetic, electric, and flotation separation. Specifically, we present a comprehensive process of the flotation method, including developing flotation reagents (collecting agent, foaming agent, inhibitor, activation agent, and pH regulators) and the revolutionary process of high-quality graphite flake. Finally, the representative energy storage application, including supercapacitors and batteries utilizing graphite-based materials, was discussed in the aspect of filtering alternating current, flexible, stretchable, transparent, and high-performance energy-storage devices. This review not only summarizes the high-quality graphite obtained from the graphite ore flotation method but also encourages graphite-based materials research and development in academia and industry, which has the potential to directly affect the industrialization process by lowering the manufacturing cost of post-treatment graphite.