New high-quality graphene production technique developed

A new method for creating graphene in large high-quality sheets could potentially revolutionise future mechanical designs that rely on the multipurpose material.

Materials scientists at Oxford University, working with its technology commercialisation arm Isis Innovations, have developed a means of producing commercial-scale graphene sheets using a transition metal substrate combined with an intermediate silicon containing liquid film.

Synthesis times are reduced by 50 times compared to traditional manufacturing methods, potentially making it possible to develop commercial-scale applications for the material in the UK for the first time.

Isis Innovations is applying for a patent for this new process and is currently looking for commercial partners to bring the technique to market as soon as possible.

Prof Nicole Grobert, head of the nanomaterials by design team at Oxford Materials, said: "I believe this approach is the fastest way for commercial adoption of the new materials and more specifically nanomaterials, such as graphene."

Graphene has numerous advantageous properties that have made it a key research target for engineers in numerous fields, including medical device design. It combines an ultra-thin structure with high strength, flexibility, heat retention and conductivity.