Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of high-capacity kish graphitic lithium-insertion anode materials and negative electrodes prepared therefrom for lithium-ion batteries. The graphitic materials are produced by precipitating excess carbon present in supersaturated solutions of carbon in iron/steel uninoculated or inoculated with metals/metalloid singly or in combination. The form of carbon used for dissolution is a carbon-containing polymeric precursor such as biomaterials and non-biodegradable plastic wastes, the carbonization of which can be carried out in situ or prior to addition in the melt. The graphitic products deliver reversible capacities between 300 and 600 mAh·g?1 with flat voltage profiles for electrochemical insertion/deinsertion of lithium at potentials less than 200 mV.