The Australian Economic Accelerator Ignite program has granted funding to seven Queensland University of Technology (QUT) research teams, totaling in more than AU$2.7 million (around US$1.9 million). The projects are part of a AU$725 million national investment to fast-track high-impact research with strong potential for real-world application.
One of these projects, led by Dr. Zengji Yue from the QUT School of Chemistry and Physics, brings together several QUT researchers with industry partners Elumina Global and Auziq. The research aims to develop a new way of making graphene heat-dissipating materials for batteries and electronic devices, using waste materials such as leaves, grass, wood, sawdust, and even food waste.
“By applying a special laser process, these natural materials can be converted into thin layers of graphene, a form of carbon with outstanding ability to conduct heat”, Dr. Yue said. “The graphene layers will then be compressed into large, flexible sheets that can be built into battery packs and energy storage systems to help manage heat more effectively.
“Our aim is to provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to current thermal interface materials.”
