How the ‘miracle material’ graphene is redefining innovation

By James Baker 18 Oct 24 Reading time: 4 mins

Graphene, the 20-year-old ‘miracle’ material, is already transforming industries. It’s fair to say that in 2004, when graphene was first isolated, scientists at the University of Manchester didn’t just make a discovery – they sparked a movement.

Since then, graphene has been a game-changer – a commercially-viable resource sparking global innovations and opportunities. Its supply chain is scaling from grams to tonnes, underscoring the incredible progress since its discovery.

Composed of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal structure, graphene is extraordinarily strong and surpasses copper in its ability to conduct electricity and heat. Its discovery by Professors Sir Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov earned them the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics.

This breakthrough sparked considerable investment in research and innovation, leading to the development of specialised R&D ecosystems that helped move graphene from laboratory studies to practical market applications.

Today, graphene is giving rise to new businesses, supply chains, and products. With a strong emphasis on addressing climate change, achieving zero-carbon goals, and advancing health innovation, graphene is used in transformative applications across sectors, such as construction, aerospace, automotive, and food and beverage.

Pipeline for scale-up

Graphene has reached a commercial tipping point in just 20 years, a feat that took carbon fibres 60 years, thanks to the University of Manchester’s support pipeline. With over 350 experts, the university has helped more than 400 companies bridge the gap between academia and business, rapidly advancing graphene innovations.

Two key facilities drive this success: the £62m National Graphene Institute (NGI) for pioneering research and the £60m Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) for scaling up. In five years, the GEIC has supported 50 spinouts and launched innovations like graphene-enhanced concrete – reducing CO₂ emissions by 30% – and a hydrogel for vertical farming.

One standout success is Vector Homes, which uses graphene to improve the insulation of homes built from recycled plastic waste. This is achieved by combining graphene with non-toxic fire retardants to improve fire resistance and mechanical properties. This results in low-carbon construction materials that lower costs and boost thermal performance and energy efficiency.

By leveraging graphene’s thermal insulation properties, Vector Homes’ approach not only helps tackle the UK housing crisis, but also sets an example for graphene’s many potential applications, promoting a circular economy.

Established and affordable supply chain

The rapid proliferation of graphene-based businesses, now boasting a billion-dollar valuation, highlights the material’s immense commercial potential – and we are now entering an era of acceleration.

With a dynamic and expanding supply chain, several companies can now produce over 100 tonnes of the material. Where regulations once posed challenges, significant strides have been made in establishing agreed-upon standards and certifications. Graphene has become more affordable and accessible and is no longer limited to premium products. Even more significantly, you only need a minimal amount of graphene to make a difference – typically less than 1% – meaning you can get a more sustainable, better product at an equivalent or lower cost.

Innovators like Black Swan Graphene, known for producing low-cost, high-performance graphene powders, and First Graphene Limited, which bulk-produces graphene through electrochemical exfoliation of graphite, have made graphene and other 2D materials widely available. These materials are transforming everyday commercial sectors such as packaging, footwear, road construction, and more by enhancing product quality and efficiency at an affordable scale. According to Markets and Markets, the global graphene market was valued at USD $620 million in 2020 and is projected to reach USD $1,479 million by 2025, growing at a 19% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).

A healthier, more sustainable future

The future of 2D materials holds the key to achieving a more sustainable world. By integrating graphene into composite materials, industries ranging from construction to aerospace can reduce their carbon footprint while improving durability and efficiency.

In construction, graphene is transformative. Currently, cement production accounts for 8-10% of global CO₂ emissions. Integrating graphene derived from waste can decarbonise processes, delivering high performance at a reduced environmental cost.

It can also help create more environmentally-friendly processes, decreasing dependence on foreign supply chains and lowering emissions from production and transport. HalioGEN Power, for example, is creating a membrane and lithium-free long-duration energy storage system that – because of its unique use of graphene – can store energy for more than ten hours without the need to use critical raw materials.  

Finally, it’s helping to transform healthcare. This October, patients in Manchester will take part in a groundbreaking trial designed to lead to more responsive brain-computer interfaces, enabling improved therapies for neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and strokes.  Recently, scientists also announced the development of a new wearable sensor that can track your breath, paving the way for improved respiratory health and disease monitoring. 

Making a lasting impact

As research continues to push the boundaries of graphene’s capabilities, its role in addressing global sustainability issues becomes increasingly clear. Collaborations between academia and industry are essential in developing a stable supply chain, creating jobs, and fostering impactful innovations.

Graphene has transitioned from a laboratory breakthrough to a material with profound impact, driving sustainability and innovation across sectors. As researchers continue to explore its potential, graphene’s applications are set to expand, offering endless possibilities for a more sustainable and technologically advanced world.

James Baker / Guest writer

Professor James Baker is the CEO of Graphene@Manchester.