University of Silesia secures 1.95 million zł NCN grant for eco‑graphite project

Dr hab. inż. Karolina Jurkiewicz, professor at the University of Silesia, was awarded a 1 949 559 zł grant from the National Science Centre's SONATA 21 programme. The funded project, titled “Grafityzacja bio‑prekursorów węglowych przy użyciu hybrydowych katalizatorów niskotemperaturowych” (project number 2025/59/D/ST11/02247), aims to develop low‑temperature, hybrid‑catalyst methods for producing graphite from biomass.

The research addresses the high energy consumption and CO₂ emissions of conventional graphite synthesis, which requires temperatures of 2800‑3000 °C. By using bio‑derived carbon precursors and low‑temperature processes, the team seeks a more sustainable, less energy‑intensive supply of graphite—a strategic material for batteries, electronics, metallurgy, and aviation. The project also intends to reduce dependence on imported natural graphite, chiefly sourced from China. Doctoral researcher Muhammad Jamshaid Shabbir from the University of Silesia’s Doctoral School will take part in the implementation.