Grant: Alliance Grants

Graphene nanomaterials are monolayers of carbon atoms, featuring notable physical properties, such as high electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, and thermal and chemical resistance. These properties, coupled with its large surface area, have made graphene an attractive base material in a myriad of scientific research fields as well as industrial applications, such as energy, electronics, defense, automotive, aerospace, construction, drug delivery, diagnostic, among others. The primary precursor material for the synthesis of graphene is graphite, which is a native element mineral found in igneous rocks. Indeed, graphite is a stack of numerous layers of graphene attached to each other with molecular forces. To synthesize graphene, the layers of graphite should get exfoliated. ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd. ("ZEN"), our industry partner in this project, has discovered a large and very rare igneous-related graphite deposit in Northern Ontario called the Albany Deposit [www.zengraphene.com]. This resource may allow ZEN to produce commercial quantities of graphene for use in high-value, large-scale advanced applications. To use graphene in industrial applications, ZEN must generate the knowledge and expertise to convert graphite to the graphene derivatives at an industrial scale. As such, this research project seeks to generate the knowledge to synthesize graphene from ZEN's graphite using cost-effective, environmentally-friendly techniques and scale-up the process. The multifunctional properties of the graphene propose it as an outstanding nanomaterial to improve the physical properties of polymers. Polymers feature superior characteristics such as lightweight, low cost, easy processability, corrosion resistance, and improved design options. These properties propose polymers as versatile futuristic substitutions for commonly used materials, such as metals and ceramics, for advanced applications. Nevertheless, pristine polymers lack the required physical properties to accomplish this mission. The marriage of graphene with polymers results in the development of advanced multifunctional graphene/polymer nanocomposites enjoying the inherent properties of polymers woven with the multifunctionality of the graphene. To this end, this research project also seeks to incorporate the synthesized engineered graphene into polymers to improve their physical properties, including electrical, thermal, mechanical, and acoustic properties. The developed graphene/polymer nanocomposites will be shaped using compression molding and 3D printing techniques for performance testing.This research project will train HQP (1 postdoctoral fellow and 5 PhD students) with expertise and hands-on experience in Graphene Nanomaterials Synthesis and Characterization, Polymer Processing and 3D Printing, and Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites Development and Characterization. Such a broad range of expertise will shape the competent HQP with interdisciplinary backgrounds, who will be able to practice in numerous sectors in Canada, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the Canada's economy. The success of this project would open new avenues for various sectors in Canada, such as defense, aerospace, and automotive, to develop new technologies based on engineered graphene nanomaterials and their multifunctional polymer nanocomposites. This project would benefit many Canadian academics, as it will allow us to synthesize and customize graphene nanomaterials and their polymer nanocomposites for academics in different scientific fields rather than necessitating the purchase of commercial materials. The results of this project could potentially create new jobs for Canadians. For instance, ZEN estimates that the successful production of graphene out of graphite at an industrial scale could potentially lead to 300 new jobs in Northern Ontario.