Collaboration promises to accelerate graphene research

28th November 2014

2-DTech

Barney Scott

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In order to proactively seek out opportunities for the deployment of graphene, 2-DTech has developed a progressively closer relationship with the University of Manchester. The two parties have signed a memorandum of understanding that will see them sharing their respective resources and expertise, as well as the cross-pollination of ideas.

Once finalised, this will result in 2-DTech becoming a partner of the University’s recently established National Graphene Institute (NGI), a £61m purpose-built research centre which is due to open in March 2015. It is expected that this cooperation between academia and commercial enterprise will have far-reaching effects on the emerging graphene market.

The partnership will embark upon a series of projects, with 2-DTech staff utilising the facilities offered by the NGI. Amongst the initial projects will be graphene/polymer nanocomposites and 2D inks.

“Graphene has some truly remarkable properties - structurally, electrically and optically. There are exciting possibilities opening up for it all the time. Through closer connection with the University of Manchester we will be much better able to promote more widespread use of this unique material across a broad spectrum of different commercial applications,” explains Nigel Salter, Managing Director, 2-DTech. “The facilities that the University of Manchester has for graphene research are the envy of the rest of the world. By having access to them, 2-DTech will be able to make significant technological advances.”

“If the graphene industry is to mature, there needs to be support for continued in-depth research, combined with commercialisation of the intellectual property that is derived from this. The high value capital equipment that the university has invested in, combined with the cutting-edge technical knowledge and application experience offered by 2-DTech is certain to be of mutual benefit to both organisations, as well as the growing customer base for graphene products,” stated James Baker, Business Director, NGI. “We look forward to working with 2D-Tech on a number of graphene-related projects in the recently completed NGI facilities and in developing the relationship into a strategic partnership in the near future. We expect to see a number of interesting opportunities for graphene applications and products and this relationship will help in the acceleration of graphene commercialisation.”