First Graphene Ltd (FGR), through its jointly owned subsidiary 2D Fluidics Pty Ltd, is pleased to announce the filing of a PCT patent application on 15th November 2018, for Devices and Methods for Thin-Film Chemical Processing.
2D Fluidics Ltd, is a company jointly owned by FGR and Flinders University with the objective of commercialising novel thin-film processing tools invented by Prof. Colin Raston and his team. 2D Fluidics has invented a proprietary process for the synthesis of graphene, graphene oxide and other high value nanomaterials. These new processes are now protected within the PCT application.
In particular, the application covers routes to manufacture graphene oxide directly from graphite raw materials. The process has the advantage of manufacturing high quality graphene oxide without the use of high-volume corrosive reagents and associated waste streams used in the incumbent, Hummers method. Graphene oxide consists of oxidised graphene layers and has valuable uses in water filtration, energy storage and electronics.
Managing Director, Craig McGuckin, stated: “This is an important milestone in the commercialisation of these unique processing tools. We are particularly excited about the opportunity to cost-effectively manufacture graphene oxide products to add to our portfolio.”
Professor Colin Raston, Professor in Clean Technology at Flinders University stated: “The ability to manufacture graphene oxide in a benign way has been a major challenge, and it is now a reality with the completion of an extensive programme of research. We are continuing to understand the fundamental science in the VFD, and we look forward to further improvements on the processing technology for graphene oxide, and a range of other nano-carbon and related materials.”
