First Graphene (ASX:FGR) has secured two new patents in Australia and Korea for its Kainos technology which produces graphite, graphene, and hydrogen from petroleum waste streams.
The company says the patent reinforces First Graphene as the owner and innovator of this process and reiterates the Australian and Korean governments’ demand for graphite.
CEO Michael Bell says the granting of these patents marks a milestone for the Kainos technology as the company advances commercialisation.
“Our Kainos technology has the potential to assist the oil and gas sector by leveraging petroleum waste to produce in-demand synthetic graphite and graphene required for the booming electric vehicle market,” Bell says.
“Meanwhile, the creation of hydrogen as a by-product can help shore up supply of an emission-reducing alternative energy source, at a time when demand for renewable energy sources continues to grow.”
The Kainos technology uses acoustic or hydrodynamic cavitation to convert petroleum feedstocks into high-quality, battery-grade synthetic graphite and graphene, as well as clean hydrogen as a by-product.
Graphite and graphene are both required for electric vehicle batteries, while hydrogen can be used as an alternative energy source which does not produce carbon emissions — making these elements vital for the global clean energy transition.
First Graphene, which has a market capitalisation of $38.49 million, has also advanced a collaborative research project with Swansea University, which was awarded $192,152 under the Analysis for Innovators stage-two funding from Innovate UK, to further investigate the market potential of the Kainos technology.
The six-month project focuses on developing a commercial approach to scaling up production of synthetic graphite and pristine graphene, using the patented processes.
First Graphene notes the research project is anticipated to finish at the end of next month. If successful, the company says this could enable further grant-funded research to advance the commercialisation of the Kainos technology.
The global demand for EVs is expected to grow six-fold over the next few years, with annual sales rising to 28 million by 2030. Meanwhile, the hydrogen industry is also growing with a global trade forecast to generate more than $440 billion in annual export revenues by 2050.
First Graphene is a supplier of graphitic materials and product formulations with a specific commercial focus on large, high-growth global markets.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: First Graphene
