First Graphene has signed an exclusive agreement with the UK’s University of Manchester, with the duo to collaborate on the development of energy storage materials including a new class of high-performance capacitors made from a graphene-hybrid.
This latest agreement expands on the duo’s formerly-established collaboration, with both organizations to make metal oxide decorated graphene materials, which have very high gravimetric capacitance of up to 500 Farads/g. Manchester University’s previous research has revealed high capacitance materials up to 500 Farads/g are possible and outperform existing materials.
Using First Graphene’s expertise in electrochemical materials processing, the high gravimetric capacitance materials are to be manufactured at scale.
Once the study has been successfully completed, First Graphene plans to build a kilogram pilot scale capability in its laboratories, with Manchester University’s Graphene Engineering Innovation Center to introduce the materials to super capacitor device manufacturers.
The UK Government is funding the initial research program, with First Graphene claiming super capacitors offer higher power density energy storage, with the possibility of multiple charge and discharge cycles and short charging times.
Graphene at Manchester chief executive officer James Baker said the organization was really pleased to expand its relationship with First Graphene. The university’s Graphene Engineering Innovation Center is playing a key role in supporting the acceleration of graphene products and applications through the development of a critical supply chain of material supply and in the development of applications for industry.
This latest announcement marks a significant step in our Graphene City developments, which looks to create a unique innovation ecosystem here in the Manchester city region the home of graphene, he added.