The small stacks of graphene can replace carbon nanotubes, nano-clays, or other carbon compounds in many composite applications. When added in small amounts (2-3%) to plastics or resins, the nanoparticles make these materials electrically or thermally conductive and less permeable, while simultaneously improving mechanical properties like strength, stiffness, or surface toughness.

When used alone or in conjunction with carbon or glass fibers, the nanoparticles enhance electrical and thermal conductivity—producing strong, lightweight composites suitable for aerospace, automotive, or electronic applications.

Applications of xGnP + meals in energy storage. Click to enlarge.

Combined with metal nanoparticles, (xGnP + nanoparticle), the material has potential for applications in fuel cells, supercapacitors, batteries and hydrogen storage.

The material will be instrumental in the development of new and expanded applications in the aerospace, automotive and packaging industries, said Lawrence Drzal, University Distinguished Professor of chemical engineering and materials science at MSU and director of MSU’s Composite Materials and Structure Center.

Drzal led the research group that developed the product, which is considered to be a practical, inexpensive material that has a unique set of physical, chemical and morphological attributes. The nanoscale material, which is electrically and thermally conductive, has reduced flammability and barrier properties, he said.

The graphene nanoparticles are being manufactured by a new startup company, XG Sciences Inc., located in mid-Michigan and a spinoff from intellectual property owned by MSU. XG Sciences has an exclusive license to manufacture this material.

XGnP can either be used as an additive to plastics or by itself it can make a transformational change in the performance of many advanced electronic and energy devices. It can do so because it’s a nanoparticle with a unique shape made from environmentally benign carbon, and it can be made at a very reasonable cost.

—Lawrence Drzal

Potential applications of xGnP include:

• Lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft and car parts, and stronger wind turbines, medical implants and sports equipment.
• Surface coatings on Li-ion electrodes and transparent conductive coatings for solar cells and displays.
• Lightweight gasoline tanks and leak-tight and plastic containers that keep food fresh for weeks.

Drzal and his partners (former students Hiroyuki Fukushima, Inhwan Do and XG Sciences CEO Mike Knox) are already looking ahead to more uses for the product, such as recyclable, economical or lightweight units to store hydrogen for the next generation of fuel cell-powered autos.

Now that we know how to make this material and how to modify it so that it can be utilized in plastics, our attention is being directed to high-end applications where we can really make some substantial changes in the way electronics, fuel cells, batteries and solar cells perform as a result of using this material...This project goes beyond doing research and publishing papers. It appears to have made the transition from a laboratory curiosity to a commercial product and simultaneously has helped create a spinoff company to increase the economic viability of Michigan.

—Lawrence Drzal

Resources

• I) Exfoliated Graphite NanoPlatelets and II) Metal Nano Particles as Multifunctional Materials for Polymers and Energy Storage (Drzal)

• Exfoliated Graphite Nanoplatelet (xGnP)/Polypropylene Nanocomposites

• Exfoliated Graphite Nanoplatelets (xGnP) A Carbon Nanotube Alternative for Modifying the Properties of Polymers and Composites (Drzal, 2006)