Scientists discover two-step process to convert waste CO₂ into graphite

Graphite, the carbon core of a standard No. 2 pencil, has become a critical mineral for a wide range of modern technologies, including lithium‑ion batteries, smartphones, laptops and industrial power equipment. Its unique combination of conductivity, thermal stability and lubricity makes it indispensable for components such as anodes, heat‑sinks and electric motor brushes, linking a seemingly simple writing instrument to the high‑tech supply chain that powers today’s digital economy.

In the United States, virtually all graphite used in these applications is sourced abroad, with the majority of mining, refining and processing occurring outside the country. The reliance on imports—particularly from a limited number of producing nations—has prompted concerns about supply‑chain security and the need for domestic development of graphite resources, as policymakers and industry stakeholders evaluate strategies to diversify sources and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.