Graphene: From Lab to Commercialization, When Will It Shine in the Market?
Introduction: Since its groundbreaking discovery in the early 21st century, graphene, a wonder material composed of a single layer of carbon atoms, has been leading material science into a new era with its extraordinary physical properties. In 2010, Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their discovery of graphene, marking the beginning of a global surge in graphene research.
- Exploration and Breakthroughs (2010-2015):Graphene’s remarkable properties quickly captured the attention of scientists worldwide. During this golden period, researchers delved into its electronic characteristics, mechanical strength, and exceptional thermal conductivity, while exploring its limitless potential in fields like nanotechnology and quantum computing. The development of graphene production techniques, particularly chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and mechanical exfoliation, saw major advancements, making the production process more efficient and controlled.
China emerged as a leader in graphene research during this time. Milestone achievements included Professor Ma Lei’s team at Tianjin University introducing a bandgap in graphene, paving the way for graphene chips, and China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) developing world-leading graphene supercapacitors. Companies like 2D Carbon Tech and Shenzhen Betterlife launched the world’s first graphene 3D touch solution, showcasing China’s strong foundation in both fundamental and applied graphene research.
- The Industrialization Wave (2016-2020):As technology matured, the industrialization of graphene accelerated. Advances in graphene production, particularly in optimizing CVD and reduction-oxidation methods, greatly improved product quality and output. During this period, graphene powder and film production reached large-scale levels, with some companies achieving annual capacities in the thousands of tons, and film production exceeding 7 million square meters.
China’s graphene industry formed multiple industrial clusters, including in the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, fostering innovation and resource-sharing among companies. Despite challenges such as inconsistent graphene content, China’s overall industrial development remained strong.
Commercialization also made significant strides, with many application-driven companies emerging in fields such as lithium batteries, anti-corrosion coatings, and composite coatings. Leading firms like BTR and Fangda Carbon consolidated their market positions through complete production lines and large-scale operations.
- The Application-Driven Era (2021-Present):Since 2021, after a period of rapid growth, China’s graphene industry has entered a phase of steady development. Continued government support, research funding, and industry enthusiasm provide a strong foundation for sustainable growth. As graphene production technology continues to mature and applications diversify, the market is shifting from being technology-driven to application-driven.
Graphene-based thermal management materials and heating materials are now mature markets, while potential applications in carbon-based semiconductors and biomedicine are beginning to emerge. With breakthroughs in graphene films and new application scenarios, the graphene industry is poised for broader development in the future.
Conclusion: Reflecting on the journey of graphene from a lab discovery to an industrial success, each step represents the dedication and ingenuity of researchers. Looking ahead, China’s policy advantages, vast market demand, robust industrial system, and rich talent pool are likely to further accelerate the commercialization of graphene. Its bright future is something we can all look forward to witnessing.
Source: China Economic Information Service, “Graphene Industry Prosperity Index Report 2022”
Yuhang Paimeng has been actively working on graphene-based thermal management solutions, embodying the convergence of technical innovation and market expansion in the graphene industry.