Tennessee Patent of the Month – October 2023
Graphene is an ultrathin material often used in batteries and fuel-cells as it offers a high storage capacity and quick charge. General Graphene Corporation, experts focused on advancing the industrial scale production of consistent graphene at an affordable cost, has recently been granted a patent for their high yield graphene production process.
The process achieves both high yield and high throughput while addressing various challenges in the field. The traditional methods of graphene production involve multiple isolated units optimized for specific treatments, leading to high capital costs and maintenance complexities. In contrast, General Graphene’s system forms graphene within a single, continuous, and laterally extending chamber, eliminating the need for physical barriers or discrete units.
The key innovation of this system lies in its ability to create different localized treatment conditions within a single enclosure. Multiple scavenging gas outlets, including angularly-oriented and laterally-oriented outlets, are used to evacuate unwanted contents and contaminants from the substrate. This approach not only increases the yield and throughput of graphene production but also reduces maintenance costs.
The system includes multiple gas distribution subsystems that create different localized processing environments, such as annealing, producing graphene, and cooling. Each subsystem features gas conduits, gas dispensing apertures, and a gas injection plate to deliver the required gas compositions. Mass flow controls and control valves regulate the flow rates of different component gases, ensuring precise control of the treatment process.
In continuous graphene production, the system can incorporate a linear track for moving the substrate holder, allowing for continuous processing. A chiller and oxygen concentration detecting sensors are strategically placed to prevent thermal degradation and ensure the efficient removal of oxygen from the substrate before entering the processing sub-enclosures.
General Graphene Corporation’s innovation provides an efficient and cost-effective method for continuously producing graphene. By simplifying the equipment, reducing maintenance costs, and increasing production efficiency, this system is a game-changer in the graphene industry. It opens up opportunities for various applications, from energy storage to flexible electronics, making graphene more accessible for widespread use.
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