Alabama Graphite Finds ‘Naturally Occurring Flake Graphene’ at Coosa

Alabama Graphite Corp. (TSXV:ALP,OTCQX:ABGPF) announced the discovery of “naturally occurring flake graphene” at its Alabama-based Coosa project. The graphene was reportedly obtained by Dr. Nitin Chopra of the University of Alabama using an “innovative and cost effective process.”

As quoted in the press release:

Graphite is made up of multiple layers of graphene stacked on top of each other. Graphene is a single layer of two dimensional (2-D) carbon atoms. Graphene is valued because it exhibits superior electrical, optical, mechanical and thermal properties. It is not only the strongest material known (200 times stronger than steel), but is also one of the most flexible.

Synthetic graphene is currently produced using a variety of expensive, tedious methods that do not lend themselves to large-scale production and are prone to produce defective graphene with uncontrolled flake size. Current synthetic methods for developing graphene include chemical vapor deposition (CVD), mechanical exfoliation, solution exfoliation, and chemo-mechanical methods. This implies higher costs including greater energy consumption, and extended manufacturing time.

Ron S. Roda, CEO of Alabama Graphite, commented:

We believe that the discovery of naturally occurring single and multi-layer graphene, on the Coosa Property opens a completely new and unique business dimension for the Company. The biggest challenge today for commercial viability of graphene is cost. This presents a very exciting opportunity for our Company.

In my opinion, emerging technologies using graphene could greatly benefit from a cost effective processing methodology, with the potential for improved economics and increased production levels relative to any of the current methods used to create synthetic graphene. The work done on the Company’s material has the potential to enhance the process of producing scalable, nano-manufactured graphene and graphene-based derivatives.

Click here to read the full Alabama Graphite Corp. (TSXV:ALP,OTCQX:ABGPF) press release.