Development of advanced electrochemical techniques for the production of graphene-based nano-materials from graphite

Graphene is considered a strategic nanomaterial for the development of clean technologies due to its unique properties. According to Allied Market Research, the global graphene market was valued at US $91.3 million in 2019, and is projected to grow to US $1.4 billion by 2027 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40.2% from 2020 to 2027. Currently, there are no clean and cost-effective technologies available for the mass production of graphene. ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd. (ZEN) is an emerging technology company with a focus on the development of its unique Albany Graphite as a precursor for graphene production and applications. The electrochemical exfoliation of graphite to produce graphene-based nanomaterials has garnered immense interest due to the simplicity of the process, improved controllability over product quality, and use of environmentally benign electrolytes. The aim of this project is to develop and scale up advanced electrochemical techniques for the efficient and economical production of graphene-based nanomaterials from ZEN’s Albany graphite, which has shown to be an excellent precursor for the production of graphene oxide via chemical exfoliation. This work would culminate in an effective solution toward increasing the generation of high-quality Canadian graphene along with associated scientific articles and patents.

Faculty Supervisor:

Aicheng Chen

Student:

Deepak Sridhar

Partner:

ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd

Discipline:

Chemistry

Sector:

University:

University of Guelph

Program: