Graphite is a soft, crystalline form of carbon that is a good electrical and thermal conductor, making it useful in many applications like pencils, lubricants, and especially as a key component in lithium-ion batteries. Its unique layered structure allows the layers to slide past each other, providing a low friction and self-lubricating quality.
Properties
Composition: Pure carbon
Appearance: Soft, gray to black, and opaque with a metallic luster.
Structure: Made of layers of carbon atoms, which are strongly bonded within the layer but weakly bonded to other layers.
Physical properties: Low hardness (1 to 2), flexible but not elastic, and has perfect cleavage in one direction.
Electrical: A good electrical conductor, unlike diamond.
Thermal: A good thermal conductor.
Chemical: Chemically inert and resistant to heat and most chemicals.
Uses
Batteries: The main material for the anode in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.
Lubricants: Used as a solid lubricant because its layers slide easily past one another.
Steelmaking: Used in high-temperature furnaces and electric arc furnaces.
Other industrial: Applications include crucibles, foundry facings, brushes for electric motors, and as a carbon additive in iron and steel.
Writing: The "lead" in pencils is actually graphite mixed with clay.
