Implementation of a Scalable Thermomechanical Graphite Exfoliation Method to Produce High Yields of Few-Layer Graphene

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This research project will seek to determine the viability of a new proprietary Thermomechamical Exfoliation process developed at Queen's University to produce few-layered graphene nanoplatelets from highly expanded/ high-purity graphite. It will develop in-depth processing-property interrelations, with the aim of optimizing the product according to the needs of various applications. It will also investigate the stability of the product post-processing and, if applicable, it will propose methods which might include suitable surface treatments to render the finely exfoliated particles stable for storage and transportation. The supporting organization is ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd. (ZEN), an Advanced Materials Company based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. ZEN intends to become a world leader in the discovery and development of graphene solutions for applications that require very few layer, high dispersion graphene. Targeted applications include graphene-enhanced concrete, asphalt, plastics, drilling fluids, heat sinks, thermal coating and advanced batteries.The knowledge generated by this project has the potential to provide new value-added products at a substantially reduced cost to various Canadian industrial sectors, including the automotive, manufacturing, and alternative energy sectors. In addition to the new investment and the development of a Canadian graphite deposit, this initiative will contribute to job creation in areas that are in proximity to the traditional Indigenous territory of the Constance Lake First Nation, thereby benefiting the local population. The availability of the novel, reasonably priced multilayered graphene materials will benefit many established and emerging industrial sectors.