Delivering Graphene as an Engineering Material

Graphene is the strongest and stiffest known material, has exceptional electrical properties and has been shown to increase electrochemical performance. However, in order to realise the full potential of this material, there needs to be a cultural change so that routes from the test tube to the industrial plant are considered. To achieve this challenge, I will take an integrated research approach following graphene through from its production to processing and two target applications; composites and electrodes for energy storage. The research work will be underpinned by developing world-leading science and collaborating with leading laboratories. The key aims that will be addressed by this proposal are: 1. To study and develop new production methods for graphene.2. To develop the processing techniques for making controlled architectures.3. Targeted Application: Realise the potential of graphene in polymer composites for aerospace, automotive, construction, adhesive and packing applications.4. Targeted Application: Develop manufacturing routes for high performance electrodes for energy storage (e.g. rechargeable batteries and fuel cells).5. Transfer of the technology developed into industry and academia.To ensure significant impact, I have established links with industrial partners, taking the work through the supply chain from manufacturers (Thomas Swan) to material producers (Huntsman, Technical Fibre Products) and end users (DSTL, Airbus and Morgan Advanced Materials). Similarly, strong links will be made with national and international academic partners. Good interaction with all partners will be developed by the students and staff on the project spending time within the partners' laboratories. By the end of the project, I want to have put engineering components into the hands of industry, having published high impact papers on the underlying science which delivered the components, and trained PhD students and PDRAs to take this knowledge into UK industry and academia.

At present, graphene probably has a higher profile than any other material. However, as stated in the objectives, graphene's impact is limited due to difficulties with producing and processing it into the architectures required for applications. I am addressing these issues through developing the underlying science in order to enable industry and academia to take this exciting new material through to applications which will benefit industry and society. The proposal will bring considerable benefits to industry, as highlighted by the strong industrial support. These industrial partners have identified key applications for graphene but do not yet have the materials technology to produce the graphene structures needed. The proposed workplan will deliver these materials, allowing industry to develop products. Furthermore, the proposal will provide a throughput of trained personnel to support this uptake of graphene in industry. One risk for industry is developing a new graphene product only to find that the graphene architectures are not commercially available. Therefore, I will collaborate with the entire supply chain from chemical manufacturers (Thomas Swan) to material producers (Huntsman, Technical Fibre Products) and end users (Airbus and Morgan Advanced Materials and Technology). Successful applications of graphene also have social as well as economic benefits. The two target applications, composites and energy storage both have an increasing impact on our lives. Structural composites are a high risk milestone but would have a significant impact on society. For example, high performance composites are essential for the new generation of large wind turbine blades and are used to reduce the weight of commercial aircraft. Importantly, if the cost of a structural filler, such as graphene, can be lowered to $10/kg then it will be taken up by the automotive industry at a million tons a year. Graphene is a potential polymer matrix modifier in multi-functional materials and will improve the polymer's electrical conductivity, gas barrier properties, fire retardancy and high temperature performance. Potential aerospace and wind turbine applications include damage tolerance, strain sensing and electrically conductive coatings. Huntsman envisage a wide impact across their range of polyurethane foams, composites, coatings and adhesives, with graphene achieving performance that could not be obtained with other technical solutions. Finally, DSTL are interested in developing ballistic protection for the armed forces. Electrochemical based energy storage and power generation are increasingly becoming important as society moves to cleaner energy sources and increases their use of portable electronics. This proposal will deliver new materials and architectures for electrodes in lithium-ion, fuel cell and supercapacitor devices. These electrodes aim to improve power densities, cell efficiencies and cycle life, giving people better performing devices. Overall, I am certain that the work, if funded, would have significant impact in academia, industry and society because of the contributing factors given above and within the Academic Beneficiaries section.