Brisbane, Queensland, Australia–(ACN Newswire – 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 Optimisation1000 mAh Battery Cell Capacity Reached (Previously)Battery Technology Readiness LevelNext Steps Toward Commercialisation and Market ApplicationsNext Generation Battery PerformanceImportant Milestones for GMG’s Graphene Aluminium Ion Battery DevelopmentElectrochemistry OptimisationThe 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 3
rd 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 RoadmapTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_934e5a6e74c4b803_001full.jpgThere 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 ProcessTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_gmg1.jpgMake CellThe 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: SeparatorThese 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 ProcessesTypically, 5 of each battery design is made which ensures a statistical depth to the testing.
Test Cell PerformanceOnce 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 cellThis data is then recorded and linked to the cell design and assembly process used to make the cell.
Compare Cell PerformanceThe 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 ExampleTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_gmg2.jpgReview Optimisation OptionsUpon 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 ProcessTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_gmg3.jpgPropose 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 ReachedThe Company previously announced on the 6
th 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 PrototypeTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_934e5a6e74c4b803_009full.jpgPlease 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 CurvesTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_934e5a6e74c4b803_010full.jpgAt 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 ProcessTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_934e5a6e74c4b803_011full.jpgBattery Technology Readiness LevelThe 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 LevelSource: “The Battery Component Readiness Level (BC-RL) Framework: A technology-specific development framework”, Matthew Greenwood et alTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_934e5a6e74c4b803_012full.jpgNext Steps Toward Commercialisation & Market ApplicationsThe 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.jpgNext Generation Battery PerformanceGMG’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 3
rd 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 29/09/22To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_934e5a6e74c4b803_014full.jpgImportant Milestones for the Battery’s Development:Important milestones for GMG’s Graphene Aluminium Ion Battery Development:
| MonthImportant Milestones in the Development of the Graphene Aluminium Ion BatteryMay 2020GMG and UQ wins Australian Research Council grant for Graphene battery developmenthttps://graphenemg.com/gmg-and-uq-wins-australian-research-council-grant-for-graphene-aluminium-ion-battery-development/Apr 2021The University of Queensland and GMG kick off coin cell battery development projecthttps://graphenemg.com/gmg-the-university-of-queensland-research-uni-quest-kick-off-the-graphene-enhanced-aluminium-ion-battery-development-project/May 2021Graphene aluminium-ion battery performance data – Energy Density and Power Densityhttps://graphenemg.com/gmg-graphene-aluminium-ion-battery-performance-data/Jun 2021Graphene aluminium-ion battery performance data – Cycle Lifehttps://graphenemg.com/graphene-aluminium-ion-battery-performance-data/Jun 2021Significant potential battery customer market response to launch of batteryhttps://graphenemg.com/gmg-graphene-aluminium-ion-battery-progress-update/Jul 2021Investment decision for coin cell battery development centrehttps://graphenemg.com/gmg-battery-pilot-plant-investment/Oct 2021Construction starts for coin cell battery development centrehttps://graphenemg.com/construction-battery-pilotplant/Oct 2021Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions and GMG sign Letter of Intenthttps://graphenemg.com/gmg-and-bosch-sign-collaboration-arrangement-for-bosch-to-design-and-deliver-gmgs-graphene-aluminium-ion-battery-manufacturing-plant/Dec 2021Commencement coin cell battery development centrehttps://graphenemg.com/battery-pilot-plant/Dec 2021Initial coin cell batteries sent for customer feedbackhttps://graphenemg.com/graphene-aluminium-battery-customers-prototypes/Mar 2022Initial factory acceptance testing of semi-automated prototype battery cell assembly equipmenthttps://graphenemg.com/gmg-announces-initial-factory-acceptance-testing-of-semi-automated-prototype-battery-cell-assembly-equipment/Mar 2022Wood Engineering and GMG Sign a Letter of Intenthttps://graphenemg.com/gmg-and-wood-agree-collaboration-arrangement-for-wood-to-engineer-and-deliver-major-graphene-manufacturing-expansion-projects/May 2022Rio Tinto and GMG sign Letter of Intenthttps://graphenemg.com/gmg-riotinto-energysavings-battery/Jun 2022Commissioning of Pouch Cell Equipmenthttps://graphenemg.com/gmg-manufactures-first-pouch-cell/Jun 2022Bob Galyen former chief technology officer of CATL joins GMG technical advisory committee.https://graphenemg.com/gmg-technical-advisory-committee-leadership-team-additions-and-cfo-change/Aug 2022Investment decision for Phase 1 modular Graphene Production Planthttps://graphenemg.com/gmg-announces-phase-1-expansion-project-to-graphene-manufacturing-facility-for-energy-saving-products-and-batteries/Oct 2022Significant battery performance, cell and graphene production improvementshttps://graphenemg.com/gmgs-battery-update-significant-battery-performance-cell-and-graphene-production-improvements/Dec 2022Investment of $600k Battery Development Centrehttps://graphenemg.com/gmg-invests-au-600000-to-accelerate-battery-pouch-cell-customer-testing-development-in-2023/Feb 2023Australian Government Approval (AICIS) for production and sale of batteries.https://graphenemg.com/gmg-receives-regulatory-approval-to-enable-significant-commercial-sales/May 2023Battery Joint Development Agreement with Rio Tinto signedhttps://graphenemg.com/gmg-announces-battery-joint-development-agreement-with-rio-tinto/May 2023Battery Technology Readiness Level (BRTL) 2-3 reachedhttps://graphenemg.com/gmg-announces-battery-team-and-related-updates/May 2023Decision to switch to develop Pouch Cells (instead of Coin Cells)https://graphenemg.com/gmg-announces-battery-team-and-related-updates/Jul 2023Bob Galyen former chief technology officer of CATL joins GMG board of Directorshttps://graphenemg.com/graphene-manufacturing-group-appoints-former-chief-technology-officer-of-catl-limited-to-its-board-of-directors/Sep 2023Battery Pouch Cell Prototypes Multilayered Auto-Stacker Demonstrationhttps://graphenemg.com/gmg-graphene-aluminium-ion-battery-pouch-cell-prototypes-multilayered-auto-stacker-demonstration/Sep 2023Reaching 500 mAh capacity batteryhttps://graphenemg.com/gmg-achieves-500mah-graphene-aluminium-ion-battery-prototype-in-pouch-cell-format/Sep 2023Battery Technology Readiness Level (BRTL) 4 reachedhttps://graphenemg.com/gmg-achieves-500mah-graphene-aluminium-ion-battery-prototype-in-pouch-cell-format/Nov 2023Rio Tinto and GMG Partnership Video Launchedhttps://graphenemg.com/rio-tinto-gmg-battery-partnership-video-launch/Dec 2023Commissioning of modular Graphene Production Planthttps://graphenemg.com/graphene-manufacturing-group-commissions-modular-graphene-production-plant/Feb 20241000 mAh Capacity Reachedhttps://graphenemg.com/gmgs-graphene-aluminium-ion-battery-1000-mah-capacity-reached-and-next-steps-toward-commercialisation/Mar 2024Graphene Manufacturing Group Secures AU$2 million Funding Grant from Queensland Government for Battery Pilot Planthttps://graphenemg.com/graphene-manufacturing-group-secures-au2-million-funding-grant-from-queensland-government-for-battery-pilot-plant/ |
About GMGGMG 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 processesBuild Revenue from Energy Savings ProductsDevelop Next-Generation BatteryDevelop Supply Chain, Partners & Project Execution CapabilityFor further information please contact:Craig Nicol, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of the Company at craig.nicol@graphenemg.com, +61 415 445 223Leo Karabelas at Focus Communications Investor Relations, leo@fcir.ca, +1 647 689 6041www.graphenemg.comNeither 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 StatementsThis 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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Figure 1: Battery Cell RoadmapTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_934e5a6e74c4b803_001full.jpgThere 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 5: Typical G+AI Pouch Cell PrototypeTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_934e5a6e74c4b803_009full.jpgPlease 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 CurvesTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_934e5a6e74c4b803_010full.jpgAt 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 ProcessTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_934e5a6e74c4b803_011full.jpgBattery Technology Readiness LevelThe 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 LevelSource: “The Battery Component Readiness Level (BC-RL) Framework: A technology-specific development framework”, Matthew Greenwood et alTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_934e5a6e74c4b803_012full.jpgNext Steps Toward Commercialisation & Market ApplicationsThe 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.jpgNext Generation Battery PerformanceGMG’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 29/09/22To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/218986_934e5a6e74c4b803_014full.jpgImportant Milestones for the Battery’s Development:Important milestones for GMG’s Graphene Aluminium Ion Battery Development:
