Graphene discovery to fast-track the new energy revolution

Full article issued by The University of Wollongong.

Researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES), at the University of Wollongong (UOW) have discovered a new form of graphene, known as Edge Functionalised Graphene (EFG) that promises to improve the performance of the rechargable Lithium-ion (“Li-ion”) batteries that power our portable devices and electric cars.

This new form of graphene is both highly conductive and processable, and made of nano platelets that have excellent potential as a valuable carbon additive for a variety of electrochemical devices. 

The researchers have announced a collaboration with a private next-generation battery material company, Sicona Battery Technologies (Sicona), that they say may be a game-changer for the creation of cheaper and more efficient Li-ion batteries in the future. 

The team is already working with Sicona to demonstrate scale-up of production of EFG, and Sicona have executed binding agreements with UOW for the acquisition of all the relevant intellectual property.

ACES Director and former ARC Laureate Fellow, Professor Gordon Wallace says: 'This material, EFG, was discovered in our labs in 2017 and we have since tackled the fundamental research questions around determining what it actually is and, in parallel, issues that will assist translation, including simplifying the manufacturing process.'

'Taking amazing discoveries out of the research lab and into industry is a complex process. Often, we do not have common interests nor agree on the best way forward. But for different reasons we want to get great technologies to those that can use it, so everyone wins.'

 

Image of UOW and Sicona Battery Technologies personnel: (Left-to-right) Gordon Wallace, David Officer, Christiaan Jordaan, George Tomka, Zahra Shahbazian, Andrew Minett. Credit: UOW.