[SMM Analysis] 2025 January-February Import Data for Coconut Shell Charcoal Released, A Brief Discussion on the Application and Development of Coconut Shell Charcoal in the Sodium-Ion Battery Field

SMM March 24 News: According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs, in January 2025, the imports of nut shell charcoal were 7,936 mt, down 33% MoM and 49% YoY. In February, the imports of nut shell charcoal were 8,878.6 mt, up 12% MoM and down 20% YoY. The application scenarios for imported nut shell charcoal in China are quite extensive, including industrial adsorption and purification, water purification, soil improvement, and as a hard carbon anode in sodium-ion battery cells. Coconut shell charcoal is the most widely used biomass material in sodium-ion battery hard carbon anodes. The main production areas for coconut shell charcoal are concentrated in tropical regions such as Southeast Asia and South Asia, including countries like Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. These regions' abundant coconut resources provide sufficient raw materials for coconut shell charcoal production. As one of the major importers of coconut shell charcoal, China has diverse import channels. On one hand, it secures stable supply by directly signing procurement contracts with local producers; on the other hand, it leverages the resources of international traders to obtain coconut shell charcoal products of different qualities and specifications. Domestic Hainan coconuts are rarely used in the sodium-ion battery field. From the perspective of raw material characteristics, there are differences in composition and structure between Hainan coconut shells and imported coconut shells. The unique environment in which Hainan coconuts grow, including soil and climate factors, affects the properties of the coconut shells. Research shows that the proportions of lignin and cellulose in domestic Hainan coconut shells differ from those in imported coconut shells. For example, the lignin and cellulose content in imported coconut shells is relatively stable, which is beneficial for preparing coconut shell charcoal with well-developed and uniform pore structures. However, due to the variability in growth environments, the components of Hainan coconut shells fluctuate, making it difficult to precisely control their microstructure during the conversion process. This results in an inability to ensure ideal transmission channels for sodium ions, thereby affecting the C-rate performance of the battery. Currently, the coconut shell charcoal used in hard carbon anodes is mainly imported, and this material is significantly influenced by climate and production supply. The advantages of coconut shell charcoal in sodium-ion battery applications are as follows: Unique Pore Structure Coconut shell-based hard carbon has a well-developed pore structure, which is crucial for enhancing the performance of sodium-ion batteries. During the charging and discharging process, the rich pores promote electrolyte penetration, allowing sodium ions to be transmitted more quickly between the electrode material and the electrolyte, thus improving the C-rate performance of the battery. Suitable Chemical Composition The low ash content and low H/C and O/C ratios of coconut shell charcoal make it an ideal anode material for sodium-ion batteries. Low ash content means fewer impurities, reducing side reactions within the battery and improving its stability and cycle life. Appropriate H/C and O/C ratios help optimize the electronic structure of the carbon material, enhancing its adsorption and desorption capabilities for sodium ions, thereby improving the battery's charge and discharge performance. High Cost-Effectiveness Compared to some other sodium-ion battery anode materials, coconut shell charcoal has significant cost advantages. First, coconut shells, as the raw material for coconut shell charcoal, are widely available and relatively inexpensive. Global annual coconut shell production exceeds 20 million mt, but the current utilization rate is less than 30%, providing a rich and low-cost raw material reserve for the coconut shell charcoal industry. Second, the preparation process for coconut shell charcoal is relatively simple, requiring no complex equipment or high energy consumption, further reducing production costs. With the continuous expansion of the sodium-ion battery market, the demand for coconut shell charcoal will continue to grow. To ensure a stable supply of raw materials, companies will gradually diversify their sources. In the short term, biomass will still be dominated by coconut shells, but in the long run, shell-based raw materials may not meet market demand. Other biomass materials, such as bamboo, straw, and reeds, can serve as alternative or supplementary raw materials. Coconut shell charcoal, with its advantages in import trade and unique performance in sodium-ion batteries, is becoming an important component in the field of sodium-ion battery hard carbon anodes. In the future, with the advancement of technological innovation, raw material diversification, and market expansion, sodium-ion batteries will play a more critical role, contributing to global sustainable energy development. SMM New Energy Research Team Cong Wang 021-51666838 Rui Ma 021-51595780 Disheng Feng 021-51666714 Yanlin Lv 021-20707875