NanoXplore unveils a large-scale dry process for manufacturing of graphene
by CM Staff
NanoXplore’s novel dry graphene manufacturing process has several benefits compared to the traditional liquid exfoliation methods.
MONTREAL — NanoXplore Inc., a graphene company, announces an interesting achievement in graphite exfoliation with the successful development of a novel dry graphene manufacturing process.
The dry process centers on an advanced exfoliation technology with media that enables high yield exfoliation without the introduction of impurities.
The fusion of NanoXplore’s intellectual property portfolio and the strategic patents acquisition of XG Sciences has yielded in this advancement in graphene production. The amalgamation of eight different patents registered and/or granted in Australia, Canada, United States, Taiwan, China, and South Korea together with NanoXplore’s knowledge and experience deliver a graphene with a mix of performance and cost-effectiveness. The research and development related to this process started a decade ago with an investment of nearly $40M to date by NanoXplore and XG Sciences.
NanoXplore’s novel dry graphene manufacturing process has several benefits compared to the traditional liquid exfoliation methods. In terms of capital expenditures, dry manufacturing process delivers nearly 50% reduction versus liquid exfoliation process. According to the Corporation’s current estimation, a net 8 000 metric tons capacity requires only $20M in capital expenditures, with a quarter of the current square footage required as opposed to liquid exfoliation process. NanoXplore has secured key suppliers, ensuring a robust supply chain for the main equipment. Equipment procurement is streamlined with off-the-shelf solutions, with an estimated lead time of 8-12 months. The Corporation is planning to start purchasing the equipment during 2024 calendar year.
NanoXplore’s novel dry graphene manufacturing process could bring the Corporation within cost parity with traditional carbon additives such as carbon black. The cost reduction results primarily from using low grade waste graphite (which is derived from graphite anode production process) as feedstock. Furthermore, it is highly scalable and operates on a continuous basis, streamlining production efficiency. Superior processability and long-term performance of dry-processed graphene offers investors a more attractive proposition and will expand the Corporation’s total addressable market and accelerates commercial adoption of graphene.
With granted patents already secured, this proprietary technology boosts some key physical properties in polymers by 20% compared to existing products for applications with over 20-yr longevity requirements. The technology finds potential applications in batteries and lightweight composites, enhancing its appeal in cutting-edge industries. This new manufacturing process also opens doors to a myriad of applications, including plastic pipes, geosynthetics, recycled plastics, concrete, drilling fluids, and insulation foams, among others.
The new dry manufacturing process marks a shift, substantially reducing the environmental footprint associated with traditional graphite exfoliation methods. This new process addresses environmental concerns associated with water usage, eliminating washing and drying steps that contribute to increased costs and environmental impact.
