From electric vehicles to smartphones and 5G towers, carbon-based materials are powering the next wave of technological innovation. Among them, graphite, graphene, and synthetic graphite stand out for their exceptional conductivity, strength, and versatility. Graphene is often described as a single-atom-thick layer of graphite, while graphite itself is a naturally occurring mineral made of many graphene layers, or planes. Synthetic graphite is a man-made material produced by heat-treating materials with a high carbon content. All have excellent electrical and thermal conductivity and have many uses in emerging electronic, battery, and communications applications. Here, we’ll look at how these three materials differ and how they are used in various applications.
Graphene vs. Graphite vs. Synthetic Graphite: Key Differences and Properties
While these three materials have several similarities and are all forms of carbon, they have important differences too.
Graphene
Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms bonded in a honeycomb lattice and is essentially a single layer of what makes up graphite. It is incredibly strong—over 300 times stronger than steel. It also conducts electricity with near-zero resistance. Its high electron mobility and thin, flexible structure mean it is widely used in compact electronics, sensors, and energy devices.
Graphite
Graphite is a naturally occurring form of carbon found in metamorphic rock formations in Asia, South, and North America. It is composed of multiple layers, or planes, of carbon atoms, bonded together in a two-dimensional lattice, each layer one atom thick. While the lattice bonds are as strong as those of diamond, the layers of graphite are more weakly bonded. As a result, the layers can slide over each other, giving graphite its notable lubricating properties and malleability. It’s also a good conductor of electricity and heat, making it ideal for CPU/GPU heat spreaders, LEDs, battery packs and thermal management applications.
Synthetic Graphite
Unlike natural graphite, synthetic graphite is manufactured by the high-temperature treatment of carbon-rich materials like petroleum coke. This process rearranges the carbon atoms into a crystalline structure. It’s similar to natural graphite but allows for greater control over purity and form.
Synthetic graphite is thermally and electrically conductive. It can be engineered for specific applications, such as high-performance batteries, aerospace components, and precision electronic devices.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Property | Graphene | Natural Graphite | Synthetic Graphite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | Single layer of carbon atoms | Multiple layers of carbon atoms | Engineered layers from carbon precursors |
| Strength | > 300x stronger than steel | Malleable | Strong, tunable |
| Electrical Conductivity | Extremely high | High | High |
| Thermal Conductivity | 1500-1800 | 400 | 1500 |
| Flexibility | Thin, flexible | Thin, flexible | Can be engineered for flexibility or rigidity |
| Typical Applications | Compact electronics, energy devices | Heat spreaders (CPU/GPU), LEDs, batteries | High-performance batteries, aerospace, precision electronics |
Real-World Innovative Applications
Here are some ways that these materials can be used in different industries.
Thermal Management with Graphene and Graphite
Graphene and graphite sheets are Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) that are used to transfer and dissipate heat generated by batteries and electronic components. These materials reduce excessive temperatures and create a cooler operating environment that is less prone to overheating or malfunctioning. TIMs work by directing heat away from its source and toward a heat sink or other cooling mechanism.
Both materials are soft and flexible and can be used in sheets or die-cut into specific shapes and applied to components. In addition to heat transfer, graphite and synthetic graphite materials can also provide high levels of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding for electronics. Common applications include EV electronics and batteries, computers and servers, mobile phones, telecom devices, power banks, heat sinks, and other heat-generating devices.
Graphite & Synthetic Graphite in Energy Storage
In lithium-ion batteries, graphite serves as an energy-dense anode that stores lithium ions in its layers. Because it has excellent electrical conductivity, graphite allows the ions to readily flow in and out as the battery charges and discharges. Graphite is also relatively inexpensive, so it is highly desirable and efficient for rechargeable batteries in EVs and electronics. In fact, graphite can make up to 30% of an EV battery’s weight and can even be recycled and reused for ion storage. However, due to its relatively low market value compared to metals like lithium or cobalt, it has historically been overlooked in battery recycling efforts. This is changing as the demand for cleaner energy sources grows, making graphite a vital resource for both battery production and recycling.
Graphene in Next-Gen Communications
Graphene is being used to improve wireless technology and signal transmission. For example, researchers at the University of Ottawa are using graphene to enhance terahertz signal processing, which is a key step toward ultra-fast wireless communication. By stacking graphene layers and manipulating their electrical properties, they have created a method to boost weak signals and address long-standing challenges of signal loss and instability.
This innovation could lead to devices and systems that dramatically outpace current wireless communication standards, enabling breakthroughs in smart cities, IoT, and real-time data sharing.
Learn More from T-Global
At T-Global Technology, we specialize in thermal management solutions and materials innovation. Whether you’re working in electronics, automotive, or telecommunications, our team can help you identify and implement the right graphite, graphene, or synthetic graphite products based on your application. We can work with you at any stage of your product development, including the earliest design phase.
Please explore our products, see how our materials are used in various industry applications.
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