An innovative graphene-production process using a variable-volume reactor that could reduce energy consumption by 90%

UK-based advanced materials SME Nuonano is led by Mehrdad Alibouri, Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Mass-producing graphene for Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is, at present, an energy-intensive, inefficient, wasteful process. Existing methods offer low-yield yet generate considerable CO2 emissions and hazardous waste, damaging the environment. Due to the excessive cost of high-quality graphene, manufacturers are hesitant to use it to create LIBs, which reduces the demand for the material.

In the electric vehicle market, where such batteries are key, advancements in graphene use will be hindered in the long term.

Nuonano is developing a unique, environmentally friendly process to produce high-quality graphene on a large scale. It offers a 90% reduction in energy consumption and could improve LIB performance by 20% at a low cost. By substituting battery grade graphite or battery grade carbon black for graphene, Nuonano can increase energy density.

The UK energy sector will see a significant reduction in battery fabrication costs. The UK's supply chain will be boosted by the use of graphene over graphite. The solution will also drive growth in the UK's advanced manufacturing sector, aligning with Pillar 4 of the Innovation Strategy.

Unlike competitors, which have limited scalability, Nuonano's solution can produce graphene at a large scale with vastly reduced operating costs. The low-cost process decreases costs for the LIB market. Nuonano uniquely offers a green process with negligible CO2 emissions and no waste, supporting the move to net zero-emission processes.