ExxonMobil has acquired the U.S.-based assets and technology of Superior Graphite, along with select international offices, in a bid to enter the synthetic graphite market and bolster domestic production of battery materials for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems.
The acquisition brings over a century of graphite expertise to ExxonMobil, enabling the company to combine Superior Graphite’s proprietary processes, intellectual property, and production know-how with its own operational scale and technology. The move is expected to expand synthetic graphite production in the United States.
Synthetic graphite, a key material for lithium-ion battery anodes, impacts both energy density and overall battery performance. ExxonMobil highlighted the advantages of synthetic graphite over mined alternatives, noting it is “less labour-intensive, more consistent in quality, and can be made with our carbon-rich feedstocks from existing refining streams.” The company added, “What does that mean in plain English? That we can scale faster and smarter, all while producing a better graphite than what is available in the market today.”
ExxonMobil anticipates growing demand for high-performance graphite as EV adoption and stationary energy storage deployment expand worldwide. By producing synthetic graphite domestically, the company aims to strengthen the supply of critical minerals, support American jobs, and advance economic growth in the materials sector. “Together, we’re building a graphite business that supports American industry, energy security, and the critical mineral supply chain the US needs to lead the energy future,” ExxonMobil said.
The integration of Superior Graphite’s technology is expected to enhance battery performance, potentially improving charge rates and extending battery life, while contributing to the broader energy transition.