Abstract The Institute of Multi-Material Science at Tohoku University and Showa Denko have jointly announced a breakthrough in the mass production of high-quality graphene sheets. This development marks a significant milestone in the application of graphene as a key material for automotive batteries and lightweight, high-strength structural components. Graphene, a single-atom-thick carbon material, has long been recognized for its exceptional electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. It has attracted considerable interest not only for use in electronic devices like transistors but also as a promising material for energy storage and advanced composites. However, traditional methods of producing graphene—such as the oxidative exfoliation technique—are time-consuming, inefficient, and often result in low-quality materials with numerous defects and impurities. For instance, the oxidative method typically takes over a day per batch and involves multiple chemical steps that introduce unwanted oxygen or hydrogen atoms.
To address these challenges, the research team has developed a novel method using supercritical fluids, such as ethanol, to exfoliate graphene from graphite. This approach avoids oxidation, resulting in fewer impurities and higher purity. Additionally, they have designed a continuous-flow reactor that enables efficient and scalable production. With just 5 grams of raw material, the process can be completed in about one hour. While the initial yield of single-layer graphene is around 10%, the researchers have introduced a cyclic treatment process at 400°C, which significantly improves the yield. After 12 cycles, the yield reaches 30% or more, and after 48 cycles, it exceeds 80%. Although the throughput decreases to approximately 100 mg per hour, the overall efficiency still surpasses that of the conventional oxidative method.
According to the professor from Tohoku University, the quality of the graphene produced through this repeated process has been confirmed via Raman spectroscopy, showing excellent structural integrity with minimal defects. However, the study did not measure carrier mobility, and the particle size of the graphene remains undisclosed. Looking ahead, Showa Denko plans to further refine the technology to enhance scalability and commercial viability, aiming to bring this innovation into practical applications in the near future.
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