Coatings, adhesives, and plastics manufacturers are invited to discover the groundbreaking performance advantages offered by Nanotech Energy’s monolayer graphene oxide and graphene nanoparticles at two major trade shows in the coming weeks.

Senior Nanotech Energy representatives will be displaying samples and holding conversations at the American Coatings Show (April 30-May 2, Indiana Convention Center, IN) and NPE: The Plastics Show (May 6-10, Orange County Convention Center, FL).

At both events, our representatives will invite discussions about Nanotech Energy’s unique, monolayer nanoparticle graphene oxide and graphene.

Initial findings suggest both materials provide extraordinary performance impacts when harnessed in the right way. Their unique monolayer structure also enables the removal of some fillers as compared to the standard addition of much larger quantities of graphite or multi-layer graphene.

In coatings, such as EMI shielding products, graphene provides enhanced conductivity performance. At the same time, graphene, exhibiting lubricating characteristics,  enhances rheology – with its performance mirrored in conductive inks that are printable for electronics.

Graphene oxide also offers excellent corrosion resistance properties and, in both epoxy and urethane adhesives, it appears to have a significant impact on tensile elongation.

• In an epoxy adhesive, preliminary data shows an increase in tensile strength of 58% at a loading of 0.26% by weight of Nanotech Energy’s Ultra Graphene.
• In a silver ink, conductivity increased by 165% while flow and rheology also improved after a loading of only 0.49% by weight of Nanotech Energy’s  Ultra Graphene.

“Nanoparticle graphene oxide and graphene are two dimensional, lightweight, and stronger than steel,” says Nanotech Energy business development consultant Brenda Alpert. “With these incredible properties, it’s possible to use small amounts and achieve huge benefits.

“These upcoming shows represent a great opportunity for us to reach new potential partners with existing expertise in formulating. Utilizing both graphene oxide and graphene nanoparticles has the potential to transform materials performance parameters across automotive, aerospace, defense, and marine applications. We look forward to meeting many new faces in the days and weeks ahead.”

Breakthrough 21700 battery cells: a peek at what’s coming from Nanotech Energy in 2025

In 2025, Nanotech Energy’s Chico 2 production plant will begin delivery of three remarkable new 21700 cells.

American manufacturing is set to receive a significant boost over the coming two years as a range of graphene-based lithium-ion battery cells roll into production at our new site in Chico, CA.

In 2024, three different Nanotech Energy 18650 cells will come onto the market at a potential production rate of  30,000 cells a day. Then, in 2025, a further three Nanotech Energy 21700 cells will also become reality.

“Our technicians and scientists have honed the chemistry in these unique battery cells for several years,” says Nanotech Energy’s Chief Operating Officer Troy Zerbe. “The result is something truly remarkable. By introducing graphene into battery cells, we can deliver new levels of performance, stability, and safety – and all from within the United States. This is a major advance for the battery market and we look forward to driving new industry standards and expectations for many years to come.”

The three different 21700 cells to be manufactured at Chico 2 are:

1. 21700 3.2Ah NMC Power Cell

Made exclusively in America, this nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) cell offers significant cost efficiency when compared to similar 18650 cells. Suitable for a range of uses and applications, from power tools and mowers through to navy, mining, and automotive, buyers also benefit from sustainable production and disposal methods. And, of course, US manufacturing means the highest quality products and reliable, accessible, and friendly local support.

2. 21700 5.4Ah NMC High Energy Cell

Take a step forward from the rest of the market with this 5.4Ah cell. Compared to current 5.2Ah alternatives, it provides significantly better performance – offering reassurance to users in critical sectors such as aviation and construction. Its exceptional energy density is combined with a short life cycle, making it the perfect fit for drones, EVs, forklifts, cranes, and many more.

3. 21700 4.65Ah NMC Cycle Life Optimized

Completing our 21700 line-up is this one-of-a-kind cell that reaches well beyond traditional 4.2Ah graphite cell competitors. Elsewhere in the market, 21700 cells contain silicon. Nanotech Energy takes a different approach, instead refining graphite to deliver a longer life cycle and creating a cell specifically designed for instances where 100% depth of discharge is needed.

Interested to find out more about potential partnership opportunities in 2024 and beyond? Contact us today.

Lower CO₂ emissions, enhanced performance and improved longevity are all on the horizon

The environmental impact of one of the world’s most harmful materials could soon be dramatically improved with the simple addition of graphene manufactured by Nanotech Energy.

With just a few years, graphene-strengthened concrete could be widely used on construction sites around the world – potentially offering enormous benefits at stroke.

Dr. Maher El-Kady, Nanotech Energy’s chief technology officer, said: “First, it (graphene) makes the concrete stronger. But there’s more to it than muscle. When we add graphene or graphene oxide, it works like a super-fine sieve within the concrete, making the tiny spaces inside the cement even tinier. That’s good news because it means water can’t sneak in as easily, and less water means less chance of corrosion.”

After water, concrete is the most used material in the world. Each year, more concrete is used than all steel, wood, plastics, and aluminum added together. But this comes at a cost. For every pound of cement manufactured, 0.9 pounds of CO₂ is released into the atmosphere.

The burden is so high that the International Energy Agency calculates that concrete accounts for 8% of all global CO₂ emissions.

Dr. El-Kady said: “Less cement equals less CO₂. And because this super-charged concrete is stronger, we might not need to use as much steel to reinforce buildings and structures, which can also help reduce CO₂ emissions.

“Adding a tiny amount of graphene to concrete – less than 0.1% of the whole mix – could cut its carbon footprint by 25-33%. That might not sound like a lot, but it could reduce the world’s carbon emissions by 2%. That’s a big deal for fighting climate change.”

While adding graphene to traditional concrete mixes will incur a small increase in costs, Dr. El-Kady insists the difference will be marginal. “It won’t break the bank,” he said. “Furthermore, at Nanotech Energy we’re actively making strides in reducing the costs associated with graphene manufacturing.”

Adding graphene to concrete is also unlikely to add any noticeable delays in production times, leaving the entire construction industry standing on the cusp of generational change. 

“If things keep moving positively, we might start seeing graphene products being used more widely in the next 5-10 years as it becomes cheaper and gets the regulatory nod.”

The power of graphene to transform 21st-century technologies stretches well beyond batteries – and Nanotech Energy is set to be at the forefront of these revolutionary changes. To find out more about potential partnership opportunities with Nanotech Energy in 2024 and beyond, please contact us

 today.

Nanotech Energy Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer Dr. Maher El-Kady outlines the strategic decisions needed for the US to become a global clean energy leader.

When it comes to the clean energy transition, US politicians and leaders need to concentrate on five key investment areas in order to push the country into a position of long-term strength, stability, and energy security. Those five areas are renewables, energy storage, infrastructure, battery manufacturing, and battery materials.

Let’s start with renewables. We often hear the fossil fuel industry ask if green technology is really green, especially when it comes to electric vehicles. The precise answer depends on so many factors. In general, electric vehicles are more green than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles of a similar size. Using an ICE engine involves burning a lot of oil. An electric vehicle obviously doesn’t burn fossil fuels in the same way, but you must still consider where the electricity is coming from. If you’re burning fossil fuels to make electricity, you still have a problem. But if you invest in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, tidal, wave, or hydro power, plus nuclear, then your energy production infrastructure becomes cleaner and EVs become significantly cleaner than they are already.

So investing in renewables is clearly a big part of the transition to clean energy. However, there are other aspects, too. We have to think about how we produce electricity, how we secure the supply of critical battery materials, and how we improve batteries to store more charge and reduce the charging time. On a practical level, that means securing enough supplies of lithium and manufacturing enough energy storage for the entire grid. Because if we move to renewable energy sources, they’re basically intermittent in nature. So you need ways to store that electricity for use when you need it. All of these are important considerations that make the translation inherently complicated.

When I look around, there are obviously different attitudes towards the switch to clean energy. Some embrace it; others remain skeptical. There are big contrasts in different regions, age groups, and industry bases. But I would say the overall trend is positive. People would love to see this cleaner transition happening, but there are lots of issues to resolve along the way. When it comes to infrastructure, is our current grid strong enough to support even half of ours being electric and needing charge? How quickly can we get enough charging stations online? At the moment, 29% of all US charging stations are in California. So clearly the rest of the country needs to accelerate. This is something the Biden administration has started to acknowledge. Significant investments in new charging infrastructure are crucial. This not only enhances the practicality of electric cars, but also places tangible reminders of cleaner transportation in people’s daily lives. As more charging stations become available, individuals are more likely to consider making the switch to EVs, thus contributing to the broader goal of a sustainable energy future.

The final issues revolve around battery production. Currently, the US only has about 6% of the worldwide battery manufacturing capacity. That’s a very humble figure for a country like America. However, when it comes to innovation and technological leadership, there’s no doubt the US has been at the forefront. After all, it was within these borders that lithium-ion technology, the cornerstone of modern battery systems, was initially discovered and we’re now investing huge sums into research and development. But we also need some policy changes so that we’re not risking our future on an uncertain supply of batteries or battery materials. Thankfully, politicians are starting to realize that. The Inflation Reduction Act gave some important incentives to battery manufactures and it’s a step in the right direction, but we also need more investment into manufacturing the raw materials that go into batteries.

Strategic thinking and investment decisions are required across the entire clean energy chain, from energy generation through to battery materials and manufacturing. If those decisions are avoided, America will pay the price. But if they are embraced and made with clarity and understanding, America’s position as a global leader will continue during the 21st century. It’s up to our leaders to grasp this opportunity while they still can.

Image credit: Financial Times

Nanotech Energy Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer Dr. Maher El-Kady outlines the remarkable properties of graphene – and shares his powerful vision for the future of graphene batteries.

As a UCLA Researcher, your work focuses on the design and implementation of new materials in energy, electronics, and sustainability. For those who don’t know, can you explain what graphene is and why it is so remarkable?

Over the last two decades, graphene has garnered lots of interest in academia and industry because it has so many fascinating properties.

Essentially, it’s a single layer or flat sheet of carbon atoms. They’re tightly bonded together in a honeycomb structure and, because it’s only one atom in height, it’s the closest thing we have to a 2D material. It is incredibly thin, to the extent that you’d need 300,000 sheets of graphene stacked on top of each other to make something that’s the thickness of a sheet of paper. It also weighs only 0.76 milligrams per square meter, which is about 100,000 times lighter in weight than a sheet of paper.

In terms of its strength, graphene is almost 200 times stronger than steel. If you made a hammock from a single square meter of graphene – so that’s just one square meter of a material that’s only one atom thick – it would be able to carry the weight of a cat, but would only weigh about the same as one of its whiskers.

In short, graphene is the thinnest, strongest, lightest, and most conductive material ever discovered. It’s no wonder people call it the wonder material.

How do graphene’s qualities transfer into battery manufacturing? What makes it so suitable for this application?

Graphene conducts electricity better than any other known material at room temperature. Another interesting feature of graphene is that when cooled to temperatures near absolute zero, it transforms into a superconductor, allowing electricity to flow through it without any resistance.

Graphene is an essential component of Nanotech Energy batteries. We take advantage of its qualities to improve the performance of standard lithium-ion batteries. In comparison to copper, it’s up to 70% more conductive at room temperature, which allows for efficient electron transfer during operation of the battery. In lay terms, that means faster charging and discharging.

As well as being lightweight, it has a high surface area. An ounce of graphene would cover seven football fields. Having such a large surface area allows you to store or attach more active battery materials, meaning you can actually have a higher capacity battery within a similar volume.

Its strength also means it can be used to control the cracking that normally happens during the operation of a battery when anode and cathode particles expand and contract. That means you can use graphene to improve the overall cycle life of the battery, too.

Graphene also exhibits the highest thermal conductivity at room temperature. This means that graphene-enhanced batteries may be able to handle higher charging and discharging rates without overheating, which is essential for electric cars and high-power applications.

Lastly, graphene is composed of carbon, the fourth most abundant element in the universe, making it unlikely to ever run out.

How transformatory could graphene batteries be? What are the potential impacts?

Graphene stands as one of the most thermally conductive materials known to date. When integrated into lithium-ion batteries, its exceptional thermal conductivity allows for efficient heat dissipation during battery operation. This translates to a substantial reduction in the risk of overheating, keeping the battery temperature within safe limits, and improving overall battery performance and safety. Moreover, graphene has the potential to increase battery capacity and contribute to more reliable and longer-lasting energy storage solutions.

Could the use of graphene mean we see batteries being used in new settings?

Yes, that’s possible – graphene can definitely enable new applications that don’t exist with the current lithium-ion battery technology. Because it’s so flexible, graphene could be used to make batteries that can be integrated directly into textiles and fabrics – which would be ideal for wearable applications. The impact graphene can have on charging times is also likely to increase the adoption of electric cars in general.

We’ve also developed some research at UCLA looking at biodegradable graphene batteries that could be employed for as a power source for implantable medical devices. That’s incredibly exciting and holds promise in the field of healthcare.

What have been the biggest challenges in developing this new technology?

The first challenge was for the entire industry – learning how to isolate graphene from graphite. But the biggest challenge is how to keep it from restacking and behaving again just like graphite. Researchers have spent the last 20 years or so working on this. We’re doing the same at Nanotech Energy, trying to develop new methods that allow us to retain the intrinsic properties of a single layer of graphene, and it’s something we believe we’ve now solved.

Moving forward, the next challenge lies in effectively integrating graphene into a battery. Without having the right process for incorporating graphene into the battery, we cannot fully harness its potential benefits. Again, we now believe we’ve got a process that gives us the high energy density, long-term cycling, high-powered charging capability, and inherent safety that we’re looking for.

What excites you most about this work?

The profound impact it can have on our world. While semiconductors played an important role in the third industrial revolution, it has become increasingly clear that batteries are emerging as the defining technology of the 21st century. We’re facing global temperature rises and most countries around the world are committed to the targets laid out in the Paris Agreement for Climate Change. In effect, we’re collectively addressing a pressing global issue. What we’re engaged in extends far beyond the borders of the United States; it holds immense significance for the entire planet.

How do you see Nanotech developing over the next five or 10 years?

As being a global leader for the manufacturing of next-generation lithium-ion batteries, and providing environmentally friendly energy storage technologies for a vast range of applications. I want us to have a global reach and I’m confident we’ll get there.

Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Curtis Collar assesses Nanotech Energy’s ability to deliver market-leading battery cells – whatever the requirements.

Like every material or industry, designing battery cells is not a one-size-fits-all process. Depending on their end-use, cells are designed and manufactured with different qualities. Cells designed for energy storage, for example, can’t be used for a power tool application. You’ve got to look at each specific use case and design the battery cell in line with its key requirements.

Those requirements are starkly distinct. Cells designed for a data center or battery back-up system have to be able to deliver a huge spike of power very quickly. A cell for energy storage prioritizes cycle life and maximum energy density in a limited space. Automotive systems need even more energy density. For each different use case, cells need to be engineered and designed for optimal performance.

And that’s where at Nanotech, thanks to almost 20 years of incubation and development of graphene technology, we’re proud to enjoy a distinct competitive advantage.

Our chemistry platform allows us to engineer the best-in-class, most cutting-edge cells on the market for any application. Famously, that platform includes graphene – which allows us to have longer cycle lives, higher energy density, and lower temperature generation on use. It also includes non-flammable electrolytes, which allow us to produce longer cycle lives, lower operating temperatures, and the safest batteries on the market.

That flexibility is unique in the United States. Our technology applies across many different platforms, many different industries, and it can be combined with other technologies for even more additional benefits. Most excitingly, our manufacturing facilities are now ramping up their ability to deliver real-world products. 

Chico 2, our new manufacturing facility at Chico Technology Center, CA, will produce cells for data centers; cells for EVs such as scooters, e-bikes, and ride-on lawn mowers; and cells for power tools.

Chico 1, our state of the art development center, has the capability to produce hundreds of cells a day, multiple different cell types a week, and in cylindrical or pouch formats. 

I’m confident in claiming no other American battery producer has our ability to create prototypes in various shapes and the platform chemistry to deliver cells in many different pouch form sizes or cylindrical cell sizes.

We engineer for specific solutions, whether that’s extreme high energy density, high discharge rates, extreme safety, or extreme cold temperatures. From R&D through to full commercialization, our platform leaves us uniquely positioned to deliver at a speed and efficiency others simply cannot match – allowing us to partner with our customers to give them a significant competitive advantage in their market space.  It’s a hugely exciting time.

Our American-made battery cell technology generated significant industry attention.

Nanotech Energy’s inherently safe, graphene-based American-made battery cell technology continues to generate significant industry interest after our first ever exhibit at RE+ 2023. 

Four members of Nanotech Energy’s leadership team attended the event, which drew a record-breaking 40,000 clean energy professionals to Las Vegas across four days in September 2023.

Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Curtis Collar was joined by Global Marketing Director (Strategy and Execution) Mauran Kumar, Director of Marketing Rachel O’Rourke, and account specialist Todd Carver. All four spent time meeting delegates and promoting Nanotech Energy’s revolutionary battery technology.

“Having an entire ecosystem housed in the US is such an attractive proposition,” said Mauran Kumar. “Companies that might have been previously supplied from the Far East can now access not only new, American-made technology, but also a circular economy thanks to our groundbreaking agreement with BASF.”

Over the four event days, Nanotech representatives spoke extensively with existing and potentially new partners about a range of commercialization opportunities.

Nanotech Energy’s LFP cell for energy storage attracted particular interest, offering up to a 20% increase in the capacity of traditional LFP and an enhanced safety proposition thanks to the use of patented high non-flammable electrolytes.

“RE+ 2023 represented an exceptional opportunity to showcase to the market our graphene-powered non-flammable lithium-ion batteries,” said Rachel O’Rourke. “We were thrilled to meet representatives of so many exceptional companies. In fact, we’re already looking forward to returning in 2024, when our new Chico 2 production site will be fully operational and making a major impression on the world’s battery landscape.”

Curtis Collar, Nanotech Energy’s Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, looks ahead to a future shaped by the Inflation Reduction Act.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is one of the most welcome signs the US government finally understands the importance of the ongoing and accelerating transition to clean energy. Signed into law in August 2022, its scale is unprecedented. More than $250bn of federal funds is being invested into clean energy. Almost $48bn is directed into manufacturing.

The effect it will have on our nation – in terms of jobs and opportunities, and health impacts through cleaner air – is not to be dismissed. If it is administered well, the IRA has the potential to help restore the might of American manufacturing, making us competitive again with other regions that have led the way in recent decades.

The Congressional Research Service has detailed some of the incentives on offer through the IRA: for manufacturers, they include $35 per kilowatt hour of battery cell capacity. Pack manufacturers receive $10 per kilowatt hour. On top of that, various end-use markets also get tax credits, such as consumers buying EVs. 

The task now is to ensure the focus remains entirely on only American companies benefitting from these publicly funded commitments. If the IRA unintentionally leads to overseas companies simply being able to bring material manufacturing to the States, then that enables them to own the whole value across America. If they do that, they also own the whole global value chain.

We can all agree the IRA should be about supporting US manufacturing companies. There are lots of companies in the States that are truly American companies trying to make batteries in America, and the IRA is definitely a step forward compared to the US government offering financial support and arbitrarily choosing winners and losers simply through people’s opinions. But now it needs to be easier for those US companies to access funding under the IRA.

As an American manufacturing company producing next-generation and intrinsically safe graphene-powered lithium-ion batteries, we’re proud to be leading our country’s move towards a brighter future.

In the past, automotive companies had few options when it came to sourcing batteries. They’ve traditionally partnered with Asian battery manufacturers because they needed to make the lowest-risk choice. But even when they’ve done that, they’ve still had issues and they’re still struggling with commercialization.

Over the next few years, Nanotech Energy will be at the forefront of changing that landscape. Our new Chico 2 manufacturing facility is only weeks away from being fully operational. From there, we’ll be producing batteries that qualify under the IRA not just now, but also in 2028 and beyond when batteries will be subject to even higher American-made content requirements.

Our graphene, our electrolytes and our other safety materials are all designed to be compatible with any chemistry. That enables us to provide the highest energy density, highest quality, and safest batteries in the market. The future is certainly bright for Nanotech. We hope it is the same for the entire US battery manufacturing industry.

Originally published: September 6th, 2023

Nanotech Energy’s Chief Operations Officer Troy Zerbe looks ahead at the final four-month schedule before full-scale battery production begins at our new Chico 2 manufacturing facility.

In the 18 months I’ve been with Nanotech Energy, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with a huge number of talented and dedicated colleagues, partners, contractors, and suppliers. Today, as we stand ready to take one of our company’s most significant steps forward, I need to say a very public ‘thank you’ to everyone involved in the set-up and organization of our new Chico 2 production facility.

For some time now, our investors, customers and suppliers have shown faith in our products, our processes, and our vision for a future built on graphene-powered batteries. That vision is now coming to life, and over the next four months I’d like to give you a play-by-play insight into the final stages of our Chico 2 build.

Chico 2 is near the Chico Municipal Airport and about 20 minutes away from our R&D base Chico 1. Unlike Chico 1, Chico 2 will be a full-scale 150MW production plant with a stated manufacturing capacity of 30,000 18650 cylindrical cells per day.

As an initial step, we took the original two buildings that made up the Chico 2 site and completely refurbished them, installing new floors, carpets, offices, and paintwork. At the start of August, the cement was ground and polished, and an ESD coating will soon be put down for the moisture barrier for the dry rooms. Equipment is also ordered and in transit. By October, all the dry rooms will be assembled, all the equipment will be on site, and we’ll have completed the electrical, water, and HVAC installations.

From there, a team of approximately 15 people will be reassigned to Chico 2 to set-up and debug the manufacturing equipment during October and November. Our first validation builds and site assessment tests should begin on December 1, 2023. 

At the same time, we’re working with a Chico-based HR company to help with the recruitment drive necessary to bring in the operators we need. We’ll also be launching a new ERP system with Oracle, a new quality management system with Rockwell, and a new manufacturing execution system (MES) also with Rockwell. By the time we’re up and running at the start of 2024, it’s going to be a sophisticated manufacturing set-up.

So it’s busy, naturally, but it’s also a hugely exciting time for all of us at Nanotech. That’s why we want to share what’s happening with you – our customers, investors, suppliers, and contractors. Our production schedule is starting to swell, and we’ll be fulfilling contracts from the turn of the year. If you’re reading this and would like to discuss the possibility of securing an order, please contact me on LinkedIn or email at tzerbe@nanotechenergy.com.

In the meantime, I’d like to reiterate my enormous gratitude to everyone involved – and I promise to keep you updated with every new milestone over the coming weeks and months. I can’t wait!

Originally published: September 6th, 2023

After several years of planning, many months of site development, and a significant initial investment Nanotech Energy is delighted to confirm its new Chico 2 facility at the Chico Technology Center in Chico, California, has entered its final countdown before full-scale battery production begins at speed.

Production is slated to start in January 2024, with an initial daily manufacturing capacity of 30,000 18650 cylindrical cells per day.

The 50,000ft² of facilities has undergone an extensive refurbishment since work began in November 2022. A permanent team of +50 staff will be based at Chico 2 overseeing the production of Nanotech’s non-flammable, cost-effective, lithium-ion batteries.

Troy Zerbe, Nanotech Energy’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “The launch of Chico 2 marks the next stage in Nanotech’s transformation of the battery industry, bringing to market revolutionary new battery technology ahead of the curve and creating a true American manufacturing success story. We are incredibly proud of what’s to come in 2024.”

Nanotech’s existing R&D base, Chico 1, opened in 2016.