Ceylon Graphene Technologies expands operations to convert vein graphite into graphene
Ceylon Graphene Technologies (CGT) of Sri Lanka, which is a start-up nano technology firm, is reportedly expanding capacity as industrial batteries made with the advanced material are about to hit the market.
According to local media reports, CGT has developed technology to convert vein graphite into graphene, a thin carbon lattice which has a high commercial value and it is a joint venture between Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC), which is a research body, backed by the government and private partners.
Colombo-based LOLC group owns 85 percent of CGT and SLINTEC 15 percent.
While vein graphite sells for about US$ 1.2 to 1.8 a kilogram, graphene can sell for around US$ 3,000 per kilogram, Chief Executive of CGT Manju Gunawardana has been quoted as saying in the local media.
Gunawardana also heads advanced technology research at the LOLC Group.
About US$ 2 million had so far been invested in the project.
CGT is getting vein graphite from mines mainly from Kahatagaha, Bogala and Ragedara graphite mines and Sri Lanka has some of the purest vein high crystalline vein graphite in the world with 98 percent carbon purity.
Gunawardana has told the media that Exide, which is an Indian battery maker would be among the first customers of CGT who will make an end-user product.
A graphene applied lead-acid industrial battery has already been developed, which outperforms conventional batteries. It will be commercially rolled out in the near future, Gunawardana has said.
CGT now has a plant that can produce about three tons of graphene a year.
In April additional capacity will come on stream which will boost annual output to eight tons, Gunawardana has said.
“We are manufacturing according to the orders we get,” he has said, adding, “We will expand according the demand.”
OSL take:
The business conducted by a Sri Lankan company to convert vein graphene in to graphene is a clear indication of the business opportunities in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s business conducive environment and the ease of doing business environment in the country have helped strengthen the private sector in the island. Foreign businesses could therefore explore business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s private sector and also look at the possibility of forming partnerships/joint ventures with local companies.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/24022020/Z_2 |