Description:
Overview
Exploitation of the unique properties of graphene for new commercial applications is occurring at a phenomenal rate. However, current methods of graphene production are inefficient and expensive and do not provide a commercial supply to meet expected future demand. An industrially scalable production method capable of producing large quantities of low-cost, defect-free graphene is necessary to supply graphene manufacturers of the future.
Ohio University researcher, Dr. Gerardine Botte, has developed a simple method of producing graphene from inexpensive and widely available coal. The process begins by subjecting ground coal to electrolysis. The resulting coal char is used as a carbon source for graphene growth via chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
This approach also eliminates dependence on graphite as the carbon feedstock for graphene production. Graphite deposits are limited, with China producing 70 percent of the world’s supply. Currently there is no graphite mined in the United States, however, coal reserves are plentiful.
Benefits and Advantages
Scalable process for defect-free graphene production
Inexpensive and widely available feedstock (coal) eliminates dependence on graphite
Commercial Applications
Electronic display materials
Filtration
Flexible electronics
Energy—batteries and solar panels
Printable Overview
Issued Patents
2013246213 Australia
ZL201380029133.5 China
6193973 Japan
Published Patent Applications
US 2015/0125604
WO 2013154997