First Graphene (ASX: FGR) Next generation battery technology patent granted to coat anode particles with graphene

HIGHLIGHTS

• Company secures UK patent for coating anode particles with graphene
• Process is a simplified, green process to enable the use of silicon as battery anodes
• Silicon anodes have the theoretical potential to increase the energy density levels up to 10x those of conventional graphite anodes
• Further research work is required to optimise improvement levels
• Patent strengthens Intellectual Property portfolio in the rapidly growing battery materials market

First Graphene Limited (ASX:FGR; “First Graphene” or “the Company”) is pleased to advise that it has secured an additional patent within its existing Hydrodynamic Cavitation patent family, with the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office. The patent describes how the Hydrodynamic Cavitation Process Technology can be used to coat particles with a surface coating of graphene platelets. It is a potential enabling technology for producing graphene coated silicon particles for use as anode materials in energy storage devices.

A key challenge in the development of the next generation of batteries is how to increase their energy storage capacity. Existing carbon anodes typically have an energy density of about 400mAhg^-1 whereas the equivalent theoretical value for silicon is an order of magnitude higher, at 4200 mAhg^-1. This makes silicon a very attractive material for energy storage devices.

Currently there are multiple issues associated with using silicon particles, including their low intrinsic electrical conductivity and the slow diffusion rate of lithium within the electrode. Another major issue is the significant volume change as lithium ions, which are used to transfer electrical charge, enter and leave the electrode. This causes the degradation of the silicon electrode, causing an irreversible loss in performance of the storage device. The challenge is to maintain the capacity of the battery after a given number of cycles: this should ideally be greater than 90% after 200 or more cycles.

Coating silicon particles with a conductive layer, that is also porous to lithium ions, whilst also providing “reinforcement” to mitigate against structural degradation, is a potential method that could overcome the above challenges. As a mechanically strong, conductive and thin material, a graphene coating on the surface of silicon particles readily lends itself as a solution.

This patent covers the use of First Graphene’s cavitation process technology to directly grow conductive graphene nanoplatelets on to the surface of suitable particles, including silicon. The benefit is that the process is simple, scalable and uses readily available feedstocks that are processed under bulk ambient conditions, as opposed to standard industry practices that require temperatures in excess of 900°C. Another benefit is that the process is clean – hydrogen gas is produced as a byproduct.

Initial proof of concept work disclosed in the patent describes how graphene can be synthesized onto the surface of silicon particles, giving a significant uplift in measured electrical conductivity.

Securing this patent gives the Company a strong position in the global silicon anode battery market, which is projected to grow to US$270 million by 2027[1], by providing it with a process that is scalable and a product that can be used in trials in energy storage devices. The granted patent also provides a means of protecting the Company’s Intellectual Property associated with the use of cavitation technology within this market in the United Kingdom.

First Graphene CEO and Managing Director Michael Bell said: “This patent in the United Kingdom is an exciting step towards protecting our investment in energy storage research and development and paves the way to the next generation of graphene enhanced silicon battery anodes.  Furthermore, this process enables petroleum feedstock to be used in the production of graphene enhanced silicon anodes in an environmentally friendly process.”

About First Graphene Ltd (ASX: FGR)

First Graphene Ltd is the leading supplier of high-performing, graphene products. The company has a robust manufacturing platform based upon captive supply of high-purity raw materials and an established 100 tonne/year graphene production capacity. Commercial applications are now being progressed in composites, elastomers, fire retardancy, construction and energy storage.

First Graphene Ltd is publicly listed in Australia (ASX:FGR) and has a primary manufacturing base in Henderson, near Perth, WA. The company is incorporated in the UK as First Graphene (UK) Ltd and is a Tier 1 partner at the Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (GEIC), Manchester, UK.

PureGRAPH^® Range of Products

PureGRAPH^® graphene powders and PureGRAPH^® AQUA pastes with lateral platelet sizes of 50μm, 20μm, 10μm and 5μm, as well as PureGRAPH^® MB-LDPE 20-30 and PureGRAPH^® MB-EVA masterbatches for thermoplastics, and PureGRAPH^® MB-EVA Bitumen masterbatch, are available in tonnage volumes. The products are high performing additives, characterised by their high quality and ease of use.

With authority of the board, this announcement has been authorised for release by Aditya Asthana, Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary.

[1] https://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/silicon-anode-battery-market#:~:text=The%20silicon%20anode%20battery%20market,28.6%25%20during%202020%E2%80%932027.

About EmergingGrowth.com

Founded in 2009, Emerging Growth.com quickly became a leading independent small cap media portal. Over the years, it has developed an extensive history of providing unparalleled content, in identifying emerging growth companies and markets that can be overlooked by the investment community.

The next step in its evolution is the Emerging Growth Conference.

About the Emerging Growth Conference

The Emerging Growth conference is an effective way for public companies to present and communicate their new products, services and other major announcements to the investment community from the convenience of their office, in an effective and time efficient manner.

The audience includes potentially tens of thousands of Individual and Institutional investors, as well as Investment advisors and analysts.

All Conferences are first announced on Twitter – Follow us on Twitter

All Conference replays emerge on our YouTube Channel – Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

If you believe your company, product or service is at the cusp of going mainstream, or you have an idea for an “Emerging Growth” company that might fit our model, contact us here.

Disclosure: The author is long FGPHF stock.

All information contained herein as well as on the EmergingGrowth.com website is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but not guaranteed to be accurate or all-inclusive. All material is for informational purposes only, is only the opinion of EmergingGrowth.com and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities. The information includes certain forward-looking statements, which may be affected by unforeseen circumstances and / or certain risks.  This report is not without bias. EmergingGrowth.com has motivation by means of either self-marketing or EmergingGrowth.com has been compensated by or for a company or companies discussed in this article. EmergingGrowth.com has been compensated in consideration for its work with First Graphene, Ltd. Full details about which can be found here: https://emerginggrowth.com/279-743/. EmergingGrowth.com may or may not receive additional compensation, details about which can be found in our full disclosure, which can be found here,   You can easily lose money investing in highly speculative small cap stocks like the ones mentioned within. Please consult an investment professional before investing in anything viewed within. When EmergingGrowth.com is long shares it will sell those shares. In addition, please make sure you read and understand the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and the Disclosure posted on the EmergingGrowth.com website.