A new Industrial Transformation Research Hub will focus on developing unique high-value graphene products and devices for industry.
Australian Research Council (ARC) Chief Executive Officer, Professor Sue Thomas, welcomed the opening of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Graphene Enabled Industry Transformation at The University of Adelaide today.
The ARC Research Hub is receiving $2.6 million over five years through the Industrial Transformation Research Hubs scheme, a key component of the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP), delivering research funding to enhance collaboration with key industries to find solutions to critical industry problems.
ARC Chief Executive Officer, Professor Sue Thomas, acknowledged that graphene—dubbed ‘the material of the 21st Century’—is a unique form of graphite, which has incredible properties such as high strength, conductivity, water repellence and anti-bacterial qualities.
“The qualities of graphene mean that it has the potential to create breakthrough technologies in many areas,” said Professor Thomas.
“The ARC Research Hub for Graphene Enabled Industry Transformation is investigating its use in fire retardants, construction materials, protective coatings for defence and industrial applications, and novel electrical devices.
“Together with its industry partners, the Research Hub will encompass the full spectrum of the graphite-to-graphene value chain, from graphite exploration and supply, through to R&D development, and application in soil remediation.”
Researchers based at The University of Adelaide will work closely with The University of Melbourne, Monash University and The University of South Australia, and partner organisations: Archer Exploration Limited; Ziltek Pty Ltd; Qingdao Huagao Energy Technology Co Ltd; and First Graphite Limited.
“Together, these partner organisations are investing significant resources into the Research Hub, which will ensure that they are ahead of the pack in the commercialisation of graphene technology in Australia.”
For more information about this Research Hub, please visit the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Graphene Enabled Industry Transformation website. For more information about the ARC and its grant schemes visit the ARC website.