Electrolytic (C2CNT) Carbon Nanotubes Made From CO ₂ as an Inexpensive Carbon Sink and High‐Capacity Li‐Ion Battery Graphite Replacement

ABSTRACT

A novel metal‐nucleation decarbonization chemistry, termed C2CNT, was demonstrated in 2015. This process uses molten electrolysis and metal nucleation to directly convert CO ₂ into carbon nanotubes (CNTs), analogous to the established large‐scale electrolytic production of aluminum from aluminum oxide. Electrolytically produced CNTs are less expensive than graphite and are carbon‐negative, creating a strong incentive for their use in lithium‐ion (Li‐ion) batteries. The objective of this perspective is to evaluate the potential of carbon‐negative, electrolytically synthesized CNTs as replacements for graphite and carbon black in Li‐ion battery anodes, and to assess their implications for battery performance, cost, and carbon mitigation. Comparative analysis considers cost, carbon footprint, and electrochemical performance relative to conventional graphite and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) CNTs currently used as conductive additives in low concentration. Electrolytic CNTs produced via C2CNT exhibit significantly lower cost and a carbon‐negative footprint compared with CVD CNTs. They offer improved conductivity, higher Li‐ion capacity, and faster cycling rates. Given that graphite constitutes ∼20% of Li‐ion battery mass (with an additional ∼3% carbon black), replacing these materials with electrolytic CNTs can substantially enhance battery performance while reducing material costs and enabling carbon mitigation. Rapid industrial adoption of CO ₂ ‐derived CNTs via molten electrolysis will markedly enhance Li‐ion battery capacity, rechargeability, and sustainability. Their low cost, high performance, and carbon‐negative production position them as a promising replacement for graphite in Li‐ion batteries and a valuable technology supporting global efforts toward carbon neutrality.