An introduction to carbon

Carbon demand and end-uses

The carbon market is highly fragmented, with varying qualities and applications influencing prices and supply chains. Natural graphite production is dominated by China, but increasing environmental scrutiny and regulatory pressures are prompting a shift towards more sustainable practices. Africa is emerging as a significant player in natural graphite production, with Mozambique, Madagascar, and Tanzania ramping up output.

Synthetic graphite production, primarily in the US, faces challenges due to its energy-intensive process and the need for high-purity precursors. Carbon fibre and activated carbon industries are also evolving, focusing on improving production efficiency and sustainability.

As demand for carbon in energy storage, structural applications, and purification technologies grows, the industry must navigate challenges through innovation, sustainable sourcing, and enhanced recycling processes. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for stakeholders to make informed decisions and capitalize on carbon's strategic importance in the global market.

Carbon supply

Carbon is sourced in various forms, including graphite, carbon fibre, and activated carbon, each with distinct properties and applications.

• Graphite, a crystalline form of carbon, is critical for industrial applications. It is found in natural and synthetic forms. Natural graphite is mined from ore deposits, offering higher energy density and lower costs for lithium-ion batteries. However, it has a shorter lifespan and inefficient production processes. Synthetic graphite, produced from hydrocarbon precursors like petroleum coke, provides longevity and fast charging capabilities but is more expensive and energy-intensive to produce.

• Carbon fibre is a lightweight, high-strength material used extensively in the aerospace, automotive, and sporting goods industries. Its superior strength-to-weight ratio enhances performance and efficiency. Carbon fibre production involves carbonising precursor materials, usually polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or pitch, requiring significant energy and technological precision.

• Activated carbon, known for its high surface area and adsorption capacity, is used in water and air purification, gas masks, and industrial processes. It is produced by treating carbon-rich materials such as wood, coal, or coconut shells with activating agents to develop a porous structure.

• Carbon black is a fine black powder produced by the incomplete combustion of heavy petroleum products like FCC tar, coal tar, or ethylene cracking tar. It is used primarily as a reinforcing agent in tyres and other rubber products and as a pigment in inks, coatings, and plastics. Its high surface area and particle size make it an excellent material for improving product durability and performance.

Carbon substitution

The search for sustainable alternatives to carbon-based materials is driven by environmental concerns and the need for enhanced performance. For example, sodium-ion and solid-state batteries are emerging as promising substitutes for traditional lithium-ion batteries in the battery industry, offering improved safety and potentially lower costs. In the aerospace and automotive sectors, advanced composites such as ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) provide a lightweight, high-strength alternative to carbon fibre, improving fuel efficiency and performance.

In water treatment and air purification, biochar and other biogenic materials are being developed as eco-friendly substitutes for activated carbon, offering similar adsorption properties with a reduced environmental footprint. For structural applications, engineered wood products like cross-laminated timber (CLT) are gaining traction as sustainable replacements for carbon-intensive steel and concrete, promoting a shift towards renewable construction materials.

Additionally, silicon carbide (SiC) is increasingly used in electronic devices as a substitute for carbon-based semiconductors, providing superior thermal conductivity and efficiency, especially in high-power applications. The development and adoption of these alternatives highlight the ongoing efforts to reduce carbon dependency, fostering innovation and sustainability in various industries.