Pitch-based composite powders containing a graphitization catalyst and methods for production and use thereof

A method for forming a composite powder for an electrode comprising:

• forming a blend comprising about 0.1 wt. % to about 35 wt. % graphitization catalyst or a precursor thereof and about 20 wt. % to about 99.9 wt. % petroleum pitch, each based on a total mass of the blend;
• and
• processing the blend under grinding conditions to form a composite powder, wherein the graphitization catalyst is dispersed in a matrix comprising the petroleum pitch and the petroleum pitch comprises a plurality of pitch particles, wherein the composite powder has an extent of anisotropy evident by a I(101)/I(100) peak ratio from about 0.2 to about 0.99 from X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns.

An electrode material comprising:

• up to about 35 wt. % graphitization catalyst comprising a Group 13 element dispersed in a carbon matrix, based on a total mass of the electrode material, wherein the electrode material is optionally coated using an amorphous carbon, wherein the carbon matrix has an extent of anisotropy evident by a I(101)/I(100) peak ratio from about 0.2 to about 0.99 from X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns.