Focus Graphite and C4V Report Breakthrough Early Results Showing 26% Improvement in LFP Cathode Density Using Lac Knife Cathode Ultima
Rhea-AI Summary
Focus Graphite (OTCQB: FCSMF) has announced breakthrough results from battery cell testing conducted by C4V, showing that spheroidization rejects from its Lac Knife deposit achieved a 26% increase in cathode electrode density (2.39 g/cc vs. 1.76 g/cc baseline) in LFP cathodes.
The testing demonstrated that Lac Knife Cathode (LKC) Ultima, when used as a conductive additive with carbon black in a 50:50 ratio, maintained equivalent conductivity and cycling stability through 40 cycles. This breakthrough could enable higher energy storage capacity without increasing battery size, particularly beneficial for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
The global market for lithium-ion battery cathode conductive auxiliary agents is projected to grow from US$1.80 billion in 2024 to US$4.32 billion by 2029, representing a 19.1% CAGR. Focus Graphite plans to advance testing to larger format batteries and explore different blend ratios to assess scalability.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- Further testing and validation still required for larger format batteries
- Currently only tested in single-side coated electrodes
News Market Reaction – FCSMF
In the Sep 15 session, FCSMF declined 3.00%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
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Lac Knife graphite shows
Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 15, 2025) - Focus Graphite Inc. (TSXV: FMS) (OTCQB: FCSMF) (FSE: FKC0) ("Focus" or the "Company"), a leading Canadian graphite developer advancing high-grade projects in Quebec, is pleased to announce highly encouraging early results from independent battery cell testing conducted by Charge CCCV LLC ("C4V"), a New York-based leader in lithium-ion battery technology and gigafactory design.
Initial results demonstrate that spheroidization rejects from the Lac Knife deposit - typically considered waste - produced a twenty-six percent (
Higher cathode density allows more active material to be packed into each cell, effectively increasing energy storage without enlarging the battery size. This improvement allows battery manufacturers to achieve higher volumetric energy density, better efficiency, and lower cost per kilowatt-hour, all while maintaining the inherent safety and cycle life of LFP cells like C4V's BMLMP (P Series cells) which currently increase voltage and energy density by fifteen percent (
This opportunity is further reinforced by the rapid growth in the market for lithium-ion battery (LIB) cathode conductive auxiliary agents. According to a January 2025 report by Markets and Markets, the global market is expected to expand from approximately US
If validated through larger-scale testing, this breakthrough could enable Focus to fully utilize its concentrate, create high-value by-products, and diversify into cathode markets all while offering ESG advantages through Quebec's renewable hydro energy and a potential clean-energy carbon footprint. The Company plans to advance testing to single pouch cells (150mAh) & multilayer pouch cells (3Ah), explore different blend ratios (e.g. 60/40 or 70/30), and continue joint validation with C4V to assess scalability.
"These early results validate the potential for Lac Knife graphite to expand beyond anode applications," said Baasit Ali Shaik Sulaiman, VP Supply Chain of C4V. "Often single digit improvements in battery applications are notable. We look forward to advancing this collaboration through larger format batteries as part of our Digital DNA® program and the potential of this product for the North American supply chain."
"We continue to showcase the versatility of our Lac Knife deposit," said Dean Hanisch, CEO of Focus Graphite. "A twenty-six percent improvement in cathode density is an encouraging early result in an industry where even small gains matter. Enabled by Lac Knife's unique flake and our use of a thermal fluidized bed oven, these findings suggest that by-products may be transformed into high-value cathode materials with zero-waste potential. While further testing and validation are required, this work indicates possible applications in Battery Energy Storage Systems, one of the fastest-growing segments of the market. This aligns with our strategy to maximize the value of Lac Knife's graphite flakes and advance opportunities to supply premium materials to downstream customers."
Figure 1: Cycle Performance Comparison: LKC Ultima Blend vs. C4V Baseline Carbon Black
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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1963/266408_fe817751b4ae59a7_001full.jpg
Figure 2: Normalized Cycling Comparison of LKC Ultima Blend vs. C4V Baseline Carbon Black
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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1963/266408_fe817751b4ae59a7_002full.jpg
Figure 3: Summary of Cathode Performance Metrics, LKC Ultima Blend vs. C4V Baseline Carbon Black
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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1963/266408_fe817751b4ae59a7_003full.jpg
Figure 4: Product Information Bulletin for Lac Knife Cathode (LKC) Ultima
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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1963/266408_fe817751b4ae59a7_004full.jpg
About Charge CCCV (C4V)
C4V™ is a lithium-ion battery technology company possessing critical insights related to the optimum performance of lithium-ion batteries and Gigafactory's. C4V's discoveries have been fruitful in vastly extending battery life, safety and charge performance, however more important is the Gigafactory offering that allows emerging countries to establish their own robust manufacturing ecosystem. C4V works with industry-leading raw material suppliers and equipment supply chain to bring to market fully optimized batteries possessing key economic advantages providing the ultimate "best in class" performance for various applications and end- to-end solutions to produce them on a Gigawatt hour scale. With its unique and innovative business model C4V is rapidly gearing towards 100+GWh of cell production capacity globally by 2032 and its Digital DNA Supply Chain solution ensures materials meet the highest industry standards for performance and reliability.
For more information on C4V please visit http://www.chargecccv.com.
About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc.
Focus Graphite Advanced Materials is redefining the future of critical minerals with two
Our Lac Tetepisca project further strengthens our portfolio, with the potential to be one of the largest and highest-purity and grade graphite deposits in North America. At Focus, we go beyond mining - we are pioneering environmentally sustainable processing solutions and innovative battery technologies, including our patent-pending silicon-enhanced spheroidized graphite, designed to enhance battery performance and efficiency.
Our commitment to innovation ensures a chemical-free, eco-friendly supply chain from mine to market. Collaboration is at the core of our vision. We actively partner with industry leaders, research institutions, and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation graphite materials. As a North American company, we are dedicated to securing a resilient, locally sourced supply of critical minerals - reducing dependence on foreign-controlled markets and driving the transition to a sustainable future.
For more information on Focus Graphite Inc. please visit http://www.focusgraphite.com
Investors Contact:
Dean Hanisch
CEO, Focus Graphite Inc.
dhanisch@focusgraphite.com
+1 (613) 612-6060
Jason Latkowcer
VP Corporate Development
jlatkowcer@focusgraphite.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could," "intend," "expect," "believe," "will," "projected," "estimated," and similar expressions, as well as statements relating to matters that are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events.
In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the potential applications of Lac Knife graphite by-products as conductive additives in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes, the significance of the twenty-six percent (
Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to market conditions, regulatory approvals, changes in economic conditions, the ability to raise sufficient funds on acceptable terms or at all, operational risks associated with mineral exploration and development, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+.
The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties, and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266408