Graphene helps make more hydrogen with less energy

First Graphene has announced results of a study by the Centre for Process Innovation UK showing improved performance in hydrogen production through graphene-based electrocatalysts.

According to a statement from the Henderson, Western Australia-based company on Thursday, the analysis showed electrodes using the company’s graphene, functionalised through metal oxide doping, reduced the amount of power required to produce hydrogen using electrolysis.

Electrolysis uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

The CPI study found the materials reduced overpotential – a measurement of energy efficiency of the electrolyser – by 43 per cent, the ASX-listed company said.  

“Improvements to the process were also identified that can increase throughput by 64%, reduce raw material costs by 50% and broaden metal oxide options in the product, providing a cost-effective commercial solution for the green hydrogen industry,” according to First Graphene.

“The electrocatalysts used in this trial by the CPI are an advancement of First Graphene’s previously developed metal-oxide supercapacitor materials.”

The company added that it has filed patent applications, “strengthening the core patent portfolio which  is exclusively licensed to the company from the University of Manchester.”  

First Graphene is also currently involved in trials of graphene in concrete in collaboration with Breedon Group, Morgan Sindall Construction and the University of Manchester, aiming to create a product created with fewer emissions and better strength.

The company’s primary manufacturing site and headquarters are at Henderson, Western Australia, with a 100 tonne per annum processing capacity. It is incorporated in the UK as First Graphene (UK) Ltd.

Picture: credit First Graphene

Further reading

First Graphene and team begin UK graphene-in-cement trials

First Graphene gets UK patent for process for potentially better battery anodes

First Graphene ships first commercial product