Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) along with the University Of Western Australia (UWA), has developed a new method of producing graphene. This production process may further enhance graphene’s viability for energy storage.

Compared to current manufacturing processes, this new production method has been described as being able to synthesize higher quality graphene in a much faster time frame. Even more astounding is the claim that this method is scalable to a commercial level.

One of the benefits of this new production technology is there is a decreased need for the use of toxic chemicals in the production process.

The process specifically involves the use of ultra-bright concentrated light to synthesize 4-5 layers of graphene. The inventors of the optical system are Daniel Feuermann and Jeffry Gordon who are professors at BGU. The high power light is directed at a vial of irradiated graphite to yield the high quality graphene layers.

The current research shows proof of concept, research will continue to reduce the layers produce to just one single and usable layer of graphene (2D).

The pioneers of this new graphene production method are focused on ensuring that future graphene demand can be met. As with all producers, scalability is the key, and these researchers are ensuring this method can lead to commercialization of graphene.

I would keep an eye on the key researchers and inventors to see if any spin-off graphene companies arise, or if the technology is licensed or sold to one the big players in the graphene industry.

These findings were published in the most recent edition of Carbon.

References

Haibo Lu, Wei Sheong Woi, Xunyan Tan, Christopher T. Gibson, Xianjue Chen, Colin L. Raston, Jeffrey M. Gordon, Hui Tong Chua (2015) “Synthesis of few-layer graphene by lamp ablation,” Carbon, Volume 94, Pages 349-351 doi:10.1016/j.carbon.2015.07.004