InVert Graphite has secured full ownership of RapidGraphite, gaining exclusive rights to RapidPulse technology that promises to transform graphite processing with a rapid, sustainable method. The company raised A$2.5 million to fund scaled-up trials, aiming to integrate this breakthrough with its Tanzanian graphite assets.
- Acquisition of RapidGraphite finalised
- Exclusive licence to RapidPulse technology secured
- A$2.5 million capital raise supports scale-up trials
- RapidPulse offers seconds-long graphite processing
- Integration with Morogoro Project advances supply chain
Acquisition Unlocks RapidPulse Technology
InVert Graphite Limited (ASX:IVG) has completed its acquisition of RapidGraphite Pty Ltd, securing exclusive, royalty-free worldwide rights to the RapidPulse™ technology developed at Curtin University. This novel catalytic graphitisation process can convert natural graphite to battery-grade quality in seconds, a dramatic acceleration compared to the up to 30 days required by conventional Acheson furnace methods.
The acquisition marks a strategic pivot for InVert, which previously focused on exploration and development of its Morogoro graphite project in Tanzania. Now, with RapidPulse under its wing, the company aims to vertically integrate by combining upstream graphite resources with downstream processing innovation.
RapidPulse Technology Promises Sustainable Processing
RapidPulse uses a proprietary catalyst blend to achieve graphitisation temperatures nearing 3,000°C within seconds. Laboratory tests have demonstrated the ability to produce graphite at 99% purity without the need for acid purification, potentially eliminating the environmentally intensive chemical washing steps common in traditional processing.
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, RapidPulse has been validated at laboratory scale and recently commissioned a pre-pilot Centorr Furnace capable of processing up to 1kg samples. The next steps involve scaling up production trials and independent battery-cell validation, supported by an Australian Government grant to Curtin University.
Capital Raise Fuels Scale-Up and Commercialisation
To fund ongoing and expanded graphite trials using RapidPulse, InVert completed a strongly supported A$2.5 million placement. This capital injection will also assist RapidGraphite, which has limited cash resources, to advance the technology from TRL 4 towards TRL 5 and 6 over the next 12 to 18 months.
Looking further ahead, InVert aspires to reach pilot-scale production at TRL 7/8, aiming to produce graphite quantities and specifications suitable for battery supply chain qualification. The company plans to collaborate with furnace technology partners to achieve this milestone.
Key Personnel and Integration with Morogoro Project
Dr Jason Fogg, co-developer of RapidPulse, will join InVert full-time to lead commercialisation efforts. Other Curtin University researchers involved in the technology's development will continue contributing to its scientific advancement.
Samples from InVert's Morogoro Project have already been processed through RapidPulse, showing promising improvements in graphitisation degree and purity, which could translate into enhanced battery performance. This integration underlines InVert's ambition to deliver a complete pit-to-market graphite supply chain, meeting the accelerating global demand for sustainable battery materials.
Bottom Line?
InVert’s acquisition of RapidGraphite and its rapid graphite processing technology positions the company at the forefront of sustainable battery material innovation, but the path to commercial scale remains a critical milestone to watch.
Questions in the middle?
- Will scaled-up RapidPulse trials replicate laboratory purity and efficiency at commercial volumes?
- How soon can InVert progress from pilot-scale production to full battery supply chain qualification?
- What partnerships or off-take agreements might emerge as RapidPulse technology matures?