Engineering graphene oxide membranes to achieve high fidelity speakers with low dimensional materials

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In this project, we will be engineering graphene oxide membranes to achieve high fidelity speakers with low dimensional materials. Our team involves three McGill professors in Materials, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, with industrial partner ORA Sound based in Montreal, Canada, global leader in graphene-based acoustic components for loudspeakers. Graphene is a single atomic layer of carbon atoms that is ultra-light and ultra-stiff, but unsuitable for direct integration into consumer audio products. Chemically processed graphene, known as graphene oxide, can be easily processed with water based chemistry and dried out into ultra-light and ultra-stiff films. Graphene oxide membranes are superior to commonly used mylar membranes for acoustic applications, enabling improved sound fidelity with lower electrical power consumption. Nonetheless, challenges remain to further improve their properties. In this partnership project, we will apply state-of-the-art research infrastructure and expertise to: 1) increase the stiffness of the graphene oxide membranes to improve sound fidelity, 2) reduce the density of the graphene oxide membranes to improve energy efficiency, 3) reduce the time required to manufacture graphene oxide membranes to decrease costs, 4) increase environmental stability of the membranes for applications that demand long working life, and 5) improve the ability of the graphene oxide membranes to carry heat to reduce the likelihood of failure by overheating (the most common origin of loudspeaker failure in portable electronic devices). Our team will tackle the challenges mentioned above, fitting within NSERC's strategic vision for research in the advanced manufacturing sector, which specifically highlights the importance of bringing graphene-based materials from the research lab into industry. We will also train the next generation of highly qualified personnel to understand both cutting edge graphene science and challenges associated with integrating a new material into a consumer product. ORA sound will directly benefit from the successful completion of this project, strengthening Canada's global leadership position in the application of graphene materials in new technologies.