Hydrofluoric acid's safe utilization for natural graphite purification

Abstract

Currently most of the natural graphite purification for battery anode material is achieved in China, using hydrofluoric acid leaching, which has been shunned in Western countries due to safety and environmental concerns. This paper uses the available HF safety guidelines and industry information to discuss the issues of transportation, storage, and utilization in a responsible manner. Health effects and environmental considerations are reviewed. Safe practices for handling the HF (both as anhydrous and as aqueous) are considered. Proper selection of different materials of construction are discussed for both the anhydrous and the aqueous HF.