Ceylon Graphene Technologies creates new vistas for local graphene industry

By Sandun Samarathunga

Ceylon Graphene Technologies (CGT) has taken a big step in Sri Lanka by converting graphite into graphene to cater to export markets with value additions.

CGT, a joint venture between the LOLC Group and the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) is Sri Lanka’s first graphene and advanced material company. The partnership was announced last week in Colombo.

LOLC Directors Kithiri Gunawardena, Manju Gunawardana along with SLINTEC CEO Heminda Jayaweera and GSMB Director Udaya De Silva shared insights on the opportunities for the local graphene industry at the press briefing.

The main objective of the graphene advancement project is to enhance the efficiency of graphite-based products and encourage their export with improved value addition by relevant industries. At present Sri Lanka exports graphene in a low value-added form.

The total capital of the CGT partnership comprises 85% by LOLC Group and 15% by SLINTEC, where LOCL has invested around $ 2 million in this project, said Kithsiri Gunawardhana.

With new technology SLINTEC and CGT have developed a unique, advanced and sustainable graphite refining process which can produce graphene from locally mined graphite at a fairly a low cost, they pointed out.

From left: Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (Geology) Director Udaya De Silva, Sri Lanka Institute of Nano Technology COO Heminda Jayaweera, LOLC Advanced Technologies, Ceylon Graphene Technologies Director/CEO Manju Gunawardana and LOLC Advanced Technologies, Ceylon Graphene Technologies Director Kithsiri Gunawardena

CGT also welcomes new industries to combine graphene with their products enabling greater value addition inside the country.

Vein graphite is sold at around $ 1.2 to $ 1.8 a kilogram, while graphene can be sold at around $ 3,000 per kilogram. Accordingly, three metric tons (MTs) of graphene per year are currently being produced by GCT.

It was noted that the new graphene manufacturing plant commissioning is in progress and will be completed by May 2020, which will increase the production capacity to six MTs per year.

“CGT will only be manufacturing according to the demand and orders it receives,” SLINTEC CEO Heminda Jayaweera said.

Graphene

According to Manju Gunawardhana, vein graphite is available mainly in Bogala, Kahatagaha and Rangedara mines. Sri Lanka has a reputation around the world for it having ultra-pure highly crystalline graphite with more than 98% carbon purity.

He said CGT is currently working with the Exide Indian battery company and has introduced a new graphene applied lead car battery leading to improved efficiencies.

Mining and quarrying activity contributed about 2.7% to Sri Lanka’s GDP in 2017. In the first quarter of 2018, the output value of mining and quarrying was an estimated $ 625 million with a reported 0.6% growth rate compared to 2017. The Government too envisages to increase the share of mining in GDP.

For the past one and half years, CGT has grown tremendously, engaged in a number of successful projects including associated battery manufactures to launch the first-ever graphene applied lead acid battery; several water purification projects to eliminate bacteria and other contaminants; polymer composites which can be used in fields including structural reinforcement and functional materials; also used in automotive industries since graphene has tremendous application in composites and coating to make light, strong as well as safe vehicles. The company has also taken part in many events and exhibitions around the world to promote and share its technology and expertise. CGT took part in the Global Graphene Expo and Conference held in USA organised by the National Graphene Association which is the main organisation and body in US advocating and promoting the commercialisation of graphene. CGT also participated in the American Graphene Summit in Washington, DC.

Pix by Ruwan Walpola