Abstract The Institute of Multi-Material Science at Tohoku University and Showa Denko have announced a breakthrough in the mass production of high-quality graphene sheets. This development marks a significant step forward in the application of graphene as a key material for next-generation batteries in electric vehicles and lightweight, high-strength structural components. Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, has long been considered a wonder material due to its exceptional electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. However, large-scale production of high-quality graphene has remained a challenge due to the limitations of existing methods.
Traditionally, techniques like the oxidative exfoliation method have been used to produce graphene, but they are time-consuming, often taking over a day per batch, and result in a high number of defects and impurities. These issues have hindered the widespread use of graphene in industrial applications. In response, researchers from Tohoku University and Showa Denko have developed a novel approach using supercritical fluids—specifically, ethanol as a solvent—to exfoliate graphite into graphene layers. This method avoids oxidation, resulting in fewer impurities and higher purity.
The team also introduced a continuous-flow reactor system, which significantly reduces processing time. For just 5 grams of raw material, the process takes approximately one hour, making it much more efficient than conventional methods. However, the initial yield of single-layer graphene was only around 10%. To address this, the researchers implemented a cyclic treatment process at 400°C, which increased the yield dramatically. After 12 cycles, the yield reached 30% or more, and after 48 cycles, it surpassed 80%. Although the throughput decreased slightly, the overall production efficiency still outperformed traditional methods.
According to a professor at Tohoku University, the quality of the graphene produced through repeated treatments was confirmed via Raman spectroscopy, showing excellent structural integrity with minimal defects. While carrier mobility measurements were not conducted, the results suggest that the material is promising for future applications. The size of the graphene particles, however, remains undisclosed.
Looking ahead, Showa Denko plans to further refine the technology to enhance scalability and commercial viability. This innovation could pave the way for more affordable and high-performance graphene-based materials in various industries, including automotive, electronics, and aerospace.Water Cooling,Crown Water Cooling System,Tubed Type Water Cooling,High Power Water Cooling
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