GMG's Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery: Progress Update and Next Steps Toward Commercialisation
Graphene Manufacturing Group (TSXV: GMGMF) has provided an update on its Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery (G+AI Battery) development. The company is currently optimizing the pouch cell electrochemistry, a standard process in battery development. GMG previously achieved a 1000 mAh battery cell capacity in February 2024 and is confident in meeting its overall timeline on the battery cell roadmap.
The company follows a weekly 'Sprint' process for optimization, which includes making cells, testing performance, comparing results, reviewing options, and proposing new designs. GMG is also considering investing in an automated pouch cell battery pilot plant at its Richlands, Australia facility to produce cells for potential customer testing.
The G+AI Battery technology remains at Battery Technology Readiness Level 4. GMG sees a broad range of applications for its battery, with interest from global companies in various sectors. The company continues to work on improving performance metrics and moving towards commercialization.
Graphene Manufacturing Group (TSXV: GMGMF) ha fornito un aggiornamento sullo sviluppo della sua batteria ai grafene all’alluminio (Batteria G+AI). Attualmente, l’azienda sta ottimizzando l’elettrochimica delle celle a sacchetto, un processo standard nello sviluppo delle batterie. GMG ha precedentemente raggiunto una capacità di cella della batteria di 1000 mAh a febbraio 2024 ed è fiduciosa nel rispettare le tempistiche previste per la roadmap delle celle.
L’azienda adotta un processo settimanale di 'Sprint' per l’ottimizzazione, che include la produzione di celle, test delle prestazioni, confronto dei risultati, revisione delle opzioni e proposta di nuovi design. GMG sta anche considerando di investire in un impianto pilota automatizzato per celle a sacchetto presso il suo stabilimento di Richlands, in Australia, per produrre celle per test da parte di potenziali clienti.
La tecnologia della Batteria G+AI si trova al Livello 4 di Prontezza della Tecnologia delle Batterie. GMG vede un'ampia gamma di applicazioni per la sua batteria, con interesse da parte di aziende globali in vari settori. L'azienda continua a lavorare per migliorare i parametri di prestazione e avvicinarsi alla commercializzazione.
Graphene Manufacturing Group (TSXV: GMGMF) ha proporcionado una actualización sobre el desarrollo de su batería de grafeno de aluminio (batería G+AI). Actualmente, la empresa está optimizando la electroquímica de las celdas de bolsa, un proceso estándar en el desarrollo de baterías. GMG logró previamente una capacidad de celda de batería de 1000 mAh en febrero de 2024 y confía en cumplir con su cronograma general en la hoja de ruta de las celdas de batería.
La compañía sigue un proceso semanal de 'Sprint' para la optimización, que incluye fabricación de celdas, pruebas de rendimiento, comparación de resultados, revisión de opciones y propuesta de nuevos diseños. GMG también está considerando invertir en una planta piloto automatizada de celdas de bolsa en su instalación de Richlands, Australia, para producir celdas para pruebas de posibles clientes.
La tecnología de la batería G+AI sigue en Nivel 4 de Preparación de Tecnología de Baterías. GMG ve una amplia gama de aplicaciones para su batería, con interés de empresas globales en diversos sectores. La empresa continúa trabajando en mejorar los indicadores de rendimiento y avanzar hacia la comercialización.
그래핀 제조 그룹(주식 코드: GMGMF)은 그래핀 알루미늄 이온 배터리(G+AI 배터리) 개발에 대한 업데이트를 제공했습니다. 현재 회사는 파우치 셀 전기화학을 최적화하고 있으며, 이는 배터리 개발의 표준 과정입니다. GMG는 2024년 2월에 1000 mAh 배터리 셀 용량을 달성했으며, 배터리 셀 로드맵의 전반적인 일정 준수를 자신하고 있습니다.
회사는 최적화를 위한 매주 '스프린트' 프로세스를 따르며, 여기에는 셀 제작, 성능 테스트, 결과 비교, 옵션 검토 및 새로운 디자인 제안이 포함됩니다. GMG는 또한 호주 리치랜즈 시설에 자동화된 파우치 셀 배터리 파일럿 공장에 투자하는 것을 고려하고 있으며, 잠재 고객 테스트를 위한 셀을 생산할 예정입니다.
G+AI 배터리 기술은 배터리 기술 준비 수준 4에 있으며, GMG는 다양한 분야의 글로벌 기업들로부터 이 배터리에 대한 광범위한 응답을 받고 있습니다. 이 회사는 성능 지표를 개선하고 상업화에 가까워지기 위해 계속 노력하고 있습니다.
Graphene Manufacturing Group (TSXV: GMGMF) a fourni une mise à jour sur le développement de sa batterie au graphène et à l'aluminium (Batterie G+AI). Actuellement, l'entreprise optimise l'électrochimie des cellules en poche, un processus standard dans le développement des batteries. GMG a précédemment atteint une capacité de cellule de batterie de 1000 mAh en février 2024 et est confiante dans le respect de son calendrier global concernant la feuille de route des cellules de batterie.
L'entreprise suit un processus hebdomadaire de 'Sprint' pour l'optimisation, qui inclut la fabrication de cellules, les tests de performance, la comparaison des résultats, l'examen des options et la proposition de nouveaux designs. GMG envisage également d'investir dans une usine pilote automatisée de cellules en poche à son installation de Richlands, en Australie, pour produire des cellules pouvant être testées par de potentiels clients.
La technologie de la Batterie G+AI est au Niveau de Préparation Technologique des Batteries 4. GMG perçoit un large éventail d'applications pour sa batterie, suscitant l'intérêt d'entreprises mondiales dans divers secteurs. L'entreprise continue de travailler à l'amélioration des indicateurs de performance et à sa commercialisation.
Die Graphene Manufacturing Group (TSXV: GMGMF) hat ein Update zur Entwicklung ihrer Graphen-Aluminium-Ionen-Batterie (G+AI-Batterie) gegeben. Das Unternehmen optimiert derzeit die Elektrochemie der Pouch-Zellen, ein Standardprozess in der Batterieforschung. GMG erzielte im Februar 2024 bereits eine Kapazität von 1000 mAh pro Zelle und ist zuversichtlich, den Zeitplan für die gesamte Batteriezellen-Roadmap einzuhalten.
Die Firma verfolgt einen wöchentlichen 'Sprint'-Prozess zur Optimierung, der das Herstellen von Zellen, die Leistungsprüfung, den Vergleich der Ergebnisse, die Überprüfung von Optionen sowie die Vorschlag neuer Designs umfasst. GMG überlegt außerdem, in eine automatisierte Pilotanlage für Pouch-Zellen an ihrem Standort in Richlands, Australien, zu investieren, um Zellen für potenzielle Kunden zu produzieren.
Die Technologie der G+AI-Batterie befindet sich auf Technologie-Reifegrad 4. GMG sieht ein breites Anwendungsspektrum für ihre Batterie und hat das Interesse globaler Unternehmen aus verschiedenen Sektoren. Das Unternehmen arbeitet weiterhin daran, die Leistungskennzahlen zu verbessern und auf die Kommerzialisierung hinzuarbeiten.
- Achieved 1000 mAh battery cell capacity in February 2024
- Considering investment in automated pouch cell battery pilot plant
- Broad range of potential applications and interest from global companies
- Received AU$2 million funding grant from Queensland Government for Battery Pilot Plant in March 2024
- Still in optimization phase for pouch cell electrochemistry
- Battery Technology Readiness Level remains at 4, indicating more development needed before commercialization
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 6, 2024) - Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. (TSXV: GMG) ("GMG" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the latest progress update on its Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery technology ("G+AI Battery") being developed by GMG and the University of Queensland ("UQ").
Notably, this update includes information about GMG's G+AI Battery regarding:
- Electrochemistry Optimisation
- 1000 mAh Battery Cell Capacity Reached (Previously)
- Battery Technology Readiness Level
- Next Steps Toward Commercialisation and Market Applications
- Next Generation Battery Performance
- Important Milestones for GMG's Graphene Aluminium Ion Battery Development
Electrochemistry Optimisation
The Company is currently optimising the G+AI Battery pouch cell electrochemistry - which is a standard battery development process step (please see Battery Technology Readiness Level section below).
The Company has developed significant knowledge regarding the electrochemistry of the pouch cells since achieving the targeted 1 Ah cell capacity in February 2024.
The challenges that the G+AI Battery are showing through this phase of its maturation are very similar to other battery chemistries that have been developed into mass production - including Lithium-Ion batteries.
The performance of the pouch cells will be communicated upon successfully producing a repeatable and 3rd party tested 1000 mAh+ battery pouch cell.
The Company is confident it can meet its overall timeline on the battery cell roadmap as seen in Figure 1 as previously communicated.
Figure 1: Battery Cell Roadmap
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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_934e5a6e74c4b803_001full.jpg
There are five steps in this optimisation process which the Company completes once per week in what it calls a "Sprint" as seen in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Optimisation Weekly Sprint Process
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_gmg1.jpg
- Make Cell
The major components of the G+AI Battery are:
Cathode: Graphene, binder and solvent (water or another solution) layered on a metal foil cathode substrate.
Anode: Aluminium foil
Electrolyte: Aluminium Chloride and ionic fluid (Urea or another solution)
Separator: Separator
These are assembled in a standard step by step process - which is documented in the Company's operation manual of procedures for the Battery Development Process.
There are many different variations that can be trialed in a cell design which can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Processing of the graphene
- Type of Cathode Solvent
- Type of Cathode Binder
- Cathode thickness
- Various Ionic Fluids in the Electrolyte
- Various mixes of Electrolyte components
- Types of Separators (different materials, suppliers and thicknesses)
- Various Cathode preparation variations
- Various Cell Assembly process variations
- Charging and Discharging algorithms (including charging voltage, current and time)
- Formation Processes
Typically, 5 of each battery design is made which ensures a statistical depth to the testing.
- Test Cell Performance
Once the Cell Performance is measured (on the charging/discharging stacks) there are certain performance parameters that are observed which include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Capacity (mAh)
- Nominal Voltage (Volts)
- Number of Charging and Discharging Cycles (number)
- Physical expansion or contraction of the cell
- Physical changes to the cell
This data is then recorded and linked to the cell design and assembly process used to make the cell.
- Compare Cell Performance
The objective of this step is to understand what design and cell assembly parameters, in an isolated test, have a repeatable causal change in cell performance.
Each Sprint usually focuses on a single variable in design or cell assembly - an example of a 3-week Sprint program is seen in Figure 3.
Figure 3: Sprint Program Example
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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_gmg2.jpg
- Review Optimisation Options
Upon reviewing optimisation options for the next Sprint, there are many parameters to consider. Often one design parameter of the cell or assembly process will positively improve one cell performance outcome but have a negative impact on another. As the Company optimises various performance outcomes of the battery cell - some of which are shown in Figure 4 - the Company needs to consider the various potential trade-offs on other performance outcomes.
Figure 4: Battery Optimisation Process
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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_gmg3.jpg
- Propose Next Cell Design (repeat Step 1 again)
Once the Company has selected the design of the Cell parameters, it needs to test for optimisation. This involves repeating step 1 until a final design or variable is chosen.
1000 mAh Battery Cell Capacity Reached
The Company previously announced on the 6th February 2024 it produced multiple battery pouch cells with over 1000 mAh (1 Ah) capacity, as seen in Figure 5. This was a major milestone achieved to demonstrate scalability from coin cells to pouch cells, and represented the next milestone in the battery's development, following the announcement of 500 mAh capacity in September 2023.
Figure 5: Typical G+AI Pouch Cell Prototype
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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_934e5a6e74c4b803_009full.jpg
Please see typical charging and discharging curve of the GMG's Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery 1000 mAh cell in Figure 6 showing a nominal voltage of 1.7 volts.
Figure 6: Typical Charging and Discharging Curves
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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_934e5a6e74c4b803_010full.jpg
At the same time, GMG is reviewing a potential investment for the procurement and installation of an automated pouch cell battery pilot plant in its Richlands Australia Facility. The Pilot Plant will enable the Company to produce pouch cells for potential customers to test in battery packs for different applications. Following the successful start-up of the Pilot Plant and successful customer trials, GMG expects to pursue large scale commercial production, as seen in Figure 7.
Figure 7: Pouch Cell Scale Up Process
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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_934e5a6e74c4b803_011full.jpg
Battery Technology Readiness Level
The battery technology readiness level ("BTRL") of the Graphene Aluminium-Ion technology remains at Level 4 (see Figure 8). GMG is currently optimizing electrochemical behaviour for pouch cells via ongoing laboratory experimentation. If GMG invests, constructs and commissions a Pilot Plant it is anticipated that the battery technology will progress to BTRL 7 and 8 since the equipment and process needed to make the Graphene Aluminium-Ion batteries is the same as those employed to make Lithium Ion Batteries.
Figure 8: Battery Technology Readiness Level
Source: "The Battery Component Readiness Level (BC-RL) Framework: A technology-specific development framework", Matthew Greenwood et al
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_934e5a6e74c4b803_012full.jpg
Next Steps Toward Commercialisation & Market Applications
The Company continues to see a broad range of applications for a completed GMG Graphene Aluminium Ion Battery - utilising its ultra-high power-density and nominal energy density characteristics. Along with Rio Tinto, a range of global companies have confidentially expressed their interest in working with GMG in the following vertical sectors:
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_934e5a6e74c4b803_013full.jpg
Next Generation Battery Performance
GMG's next generation Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery performance data (as tested and calculated on coin cells), as compared to the most commonly available lithium-ion batteries, is shown below in Figure 9, with a list of its beneficial characteristics.
The performance of the pouch cells will be communicated upon successfully producing a repeatable and fully 3rd party tested 1000 mAh+ battery pouch cell.
Figure 9: Graphene Aluminium Ion Battery Comparative Performance Data (for coin cells)
Pouch cell performance data could be significantly different and will be published once 1000 mAh+ capacity pouch cells are developed and tested.
Source:
*University of Queensland validated GMG testing data based on industry standard estimate methodology from coin cells using a reducing factor of 2.3.
#CATL 3.7V 65Ah NCM Lithium Battery Cell - LiFePO4 Battery (lifepo4-battery.com) on 29/09/22 7
$ CATL 3.2V 150Ah LiFePO4 Battery Cell - LiFePO4 Battery (lifepo4-battery.com) on 29/09/22
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
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Important Milestones for the Battery's Development:
Important milestones for GMG's Graphene Aluminium Ion Battery Development:
About GMG
GMG is a clean-technology company which seeks to offer energy saving and energy storage solutions, enabled by graphene, including that manufactured in-house via a proprietary production process.
GMG has developed a proprietary production process to decompose natural gas (i.e. methane) into its elements, carbon (as graphene), hydrogen and some residual hydrocarbon gases. This process produces high quality, low cost, scalable, 'tuneable' and low/no contaminant graphene suitable for use in clean-technology and other applications. The Company's present focus is to de-risk and develop commercial scale-up capabilities, and secure market applications.
In the energy savings segment, GMG has focused on graphene enhanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC-R") coating (or energy-saving paint), lubricants and fluids. In the energy storage segment, GMG and the University of Queensland are working collaboratively with financial support from the Australian Government to progress R&D and commercialization of graphene aluminium-ion batteries ("G+AI Batteries").
GMG's 4 critical business objectives are:
- Produce Graphene and improve/scale cell production processes
- Build Revenue from Energy Savings Products
- Develop Next-Generation Battery
- Develop Supply Chain, Partners & Project Execution Capability
For further information please contact:
- Craig Nicol, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of the Company at craig.nicol@graphenemg.com, +61 415 445 223
- Leo Karabelas at Focus Communications Investor Relations, leo@fcir.ca, +1 647 689 6041
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", "expects" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or will "potentially" or "likely" occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward‐looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding the development of the Company's pouch cell battery, that the Company will obtain repeatable third party testing of a 1000 mAh+ battery pouch cell, the timing of gathering third party laboratory battery testing data, that the Company will review the investment decision to procure and install an automated pouch cell battery pilot plant in its Richlands Australia facility and the potential to pursue large scale commercial production if the pilot plant and customer trials are successful, the timing of customer testing for an 1000 mAh pouch cell, that the Company will optimize electrochemical behaviour for pouch cells via ongoing laboratory experimentation, the ability of a pilot plant to help progress the Graphene Aluminium-Ion technology along the BTRL, the Company's ability to meet its overall timeline on the battery cell roadmap, and the potential applications for the G+AI Battery.
Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of management, including, without limitation, assumptions that the Company will obtain repeatable third party testing of a 1000 mAh+ battery pouch cell, that the Company will review the investment decision to procure and install an automated pouch cell battery pilot plant in its Richlands Australia facility, that the Company may move to large scale commercial production if the pilot plant and customer trials are successful, that the Company will be able to optimize the electrochemical behaviour of the pouch cell through laboratory experimentation, that a pilot plant will assist in progressing its Graphene Aluminium-Ion technology along the BTRL, and that the Company will be able to meet its overall timeline on the battery cell roadmap. Additionally, forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of GMG to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: that the Company will not be able to obtain repeatable third party testing of a 1000 mAh+ battery pouch cell, that the Company will choose not to proceed with a pilot plant, that the Company will not proceed to customer testing and laboratory testing on the expected timeline or at all, that the Company will not pursue large scale commercial production even if the pilot plant and customer trials are successful, that the construction of a pilot plant will not help advance the Graphene Aluminium-Ion technology along the BTRL, that the Company will not be able to optimize the electrochemical behaviour of the pouch cell through laboratory experimentation or at all, the Company will not be able to meet its overall timeline on the battery cell roadmap, risks relating to the extent and duration of the conflict in Eastern Europe and its impact on global markets, the volatility of global capital markets, political instability, the failure of the Company to obtain regulatory approvals, attract and retain skilled personnel, unexpected development and production challenges, unanticipated costs and the risk factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated October 12, 2023 available for review on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.
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FAQ
What is the current capacity of GMG's Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery?
What is the Battery Technology Readiness Level (BTRL) of GMG's G+AI Battery?
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