Researchers unlock molecular mechanism of CO2-to-graphite conversion via molten-salt electrolysis

Researchers have elucidated how molten-salt electrolysis can convert captured CO2 into crystalline graphite, mapping the molecular steps that govern selectivity and efficiency. By clarifying the intermediates and operating conditions that favor graphitization, the work points to an electrified, mining-free route to battery-grade graphite with oxygen as a co-product, while noting remaining challenges around scale-up, energy integration, and materials durability.

What would most accelerate adoption of CO2-to-graphite electrolysis—targeted policy incentives, offtake commitments from battery supply chains, or further advances in reactor and materials design?