The use of abundant graphite found in large quantities in the Earth's crust makes large-scale energy storage using graphite-based batteries more realistic and sustainable, given their reliability and capacity. . The innovative approach increases productivity while simultaneously lowering the carbon emissions and costs incurred by conventional synthetic graphite production. Representative image of a lithium ion battery. SweetBunFactory/iStock A paradigm-shifting research focus by Texas A&M and the U. . Surging demand for graphite in energy storage applications has led to concerns about supply chain security for manufacturers and nations globally. Currently, China produces over 92% of graphite for anodes, posing a risk for industries reliant on graphite supply. Here, we systematically assess the. . Not all forms of natural graphite are suitable for entry into the battery supply chain. Credit: IEA (CC BY 4. 0) Graphite—a key material in battery anodes—is witnessing a significant surge in demand, primarily driven by the electric vehicle (EV) industry and other battery applications. The. . Graphite has become an essential element of lithium-ion batteries, which form the backbone of 'fossil-free' transport and excess renewable power storage. Graphite has long been a staple in traditional batteries, but its use in solid-state applications raises questions.