TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW

Prof. Martel’s research team developed the one-step reaction process carried out in a sealed, argon-filled double quartz ampoule. One contains graphene and the other contains sulfur (the first chalcogenide tested by the research team). The ampoule is heated in the oven to a temperature between 100 and 450 °C and for 12 to 24 hours. The sulfur sublimates as the temperature increases and reacts with the graphene. The graphene is heated to a slightly higher temperature than the sulfur to prevent unreacted sulfur from reacting with the graphene. All the sulfur that has passed through to the graphene side will form covalent bonds with the graphene. No sulfur atom will remain free, and the sulfur that did not cross over can be recovered and used in the next functionalization cycle. The process does not generate any chemical waste and allows a better yield compared to conventional methods currently used.

 

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

• No additional reaction, precursors, andresidues are needed and therefore no subsequent purification steps.
• Mitigates the use of harsh and laborious protocols that generates high levelsof chemical waste
• The graphene/chalcogenide is highly dispersible in ethanol and aqueous mixtures that can be used in polymers/coatings or 3D printing inks.
• Batteries designed with these materials are light, durable,andclean witha longer life span.

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

• Technology available for licensing
• Seeking for partners to commercialize the technology

 

MARKET APPLICATIONS

• Batteries
• Biomedical
• 3D printing
• Semiconductors
• Supercapacitors, biosensors
• Solar cells

 

IP PROTECTION

• Nat. phase US2021179433 AA ; CA3109714 AA