Local Lancashire company partners with National Graphene Institute
27 Nov 2017
New research project develops novel high capacity graphene-related materials for electric vehicle market
William Blythe Ltd has started a new research project with the National Graphene Institute (NGI) here at the University, targeting the development of novel high capacity graphene-related materials for use in the electric vehicle market.
The partnership between the North West based company and the NGI will further strengthen the graphene knowledge eco-system and advanced manufacturing supply-chain based in the region. With the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre also set to open in 2018, the base for Graphene City is taking shape.
The project will combine William Blythe’s core capabilities in inorganic synthetic chemistry and their high-quality graphene-oxide with the specialist experience of the University ‘s Professor Robert Dryfe and the energy storage team at the NGI.
Professor Vladimir Falko, Director of the National Graphene Institute, said: “This new partnership with William Blythe allows the University’s graphene scientists greater access to necessary materials to work with, in tandem with a project exploring the possibilities of 2D materials and new battery technologies.”
Graphene-oxide is one of many different forms of graphene which has already been proven to show remarkable material properties and potential new product applications.
The two-year project will be devoted to the development of anode materials which will enable the range of electric vehicles to compete with traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Cameron Day, who developed William Blythe’s graphene-oxide manufacturing process, will be seconded to the NGI for the duration of the project.
He said: “Renewable energy technologies will dominate the energy market in years to come, and advanced energy storage methods will be key to its progression. I feel honoured to be working on such an important project in my hometown with the National Graphene Institute.”