Dr. Joseph E. Doninger is one of the world’s most renowned carbon and graphite processing experts, with decades of experience in real-world applications of advanced carbon technologies. With a distinguished career spanning over 50 years, Dr. Doninger has held senior leadership positions in several major industrial and materials companies, including Superior Graphite, where he played a pivotal role in advancing battery-grade carbon materials.
During his 17 year tenure at Superior Graphite, Dr. Doninger held multiple executive roles, including Senior Vice President of Technology, Vice President of Engineering and Product Commercialization, Vice President of Manufacturing, and Vice President of Technology. It was during this time that he was instrumental in the development of the now-famous Duracell battery, which outperformed its competitors due to its superior carbon composition. His expertise in graphite processing and material science directly contributed to the longevity and efficiency of energy storage solutions.
Beyond Superior Graphite, Dr. Doninger’s extensive career includes executive positions at Applied Industrial Materials Corporation and International Minerals and Chemical Corporation, where he specialized in sales, marketing, and technical development for industrial minerals and carbon-based materials.
Dr. Doninger holds a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University and is an inventor with six patents. He has authored over 29 technical publications and conference presentations related to graphite processing, mineral applications, and energy storage technologies. His work has had a significant impact on lithium-ion battery advancements, fuel cell technology, and carbon-based electrochemical energy storage systems.
Following his retirement, Dr. Doninger chose to bring his expertise to Focus Graphite and Advanced Materials because of his firm belief in the unparalleled quality of the Lac Knife graphite deposit as he describes as the best he has ever encountered in his entire career. With his deep industry knowledge and innovative mindset, he has been instrumental in developing cutting-edge technologies to optimize the high-purity flake graphite found at Focus’ properties, ensuring its suitability for next-generation battery and energy storage applications.
Dr. Doninger’s commitment to advancing graphite and carbon-based energy solutions continues to shape the future of battery technology, making him an invaluable leader in the field of advanced materials.