Value-added graphene materials from woody resources

This SBIR Phase II project will build on the success of Phase I for production of graphene products from woody biomass (pine wood). Graphene materials are useful in many applications but these materials can be prohibitively expensive. Natural graphite can be used as a feedstock but the lack of domestic production is a hinderance and equates to reliance on foreign supply. Synthetic graphite is produced domestically but is expensive. An attractive alternative carbon source for production of graphene products is wood. There is an estimated 82-88 million dry tons of woody biomass available annually in the U.S. and it is important to utilize this commodity not only to help with climate change mitigation but to produce a value-added product from forest resources and wood waste. Phase I of this project demonstrated successful production of graphene oxide materials using wood biomass as the feedstock. Phase II will incorporate critical recycling operations for re-use of process reagent and capture and conversion of process fumes for use in the process. It will also investigate critical process parameters necessary for future scale-up such as reaction time and reagent concentration. The project will also examine two product applications: lithium-ion battery anode materials with partner Iowa State University and block paver strength-enhancing additives with partner University of Wyoming. This project aligns with USDA Strategic Goals and Research Priorities through development of value-added products using forest resources to expand markets for emerging technologies as well as climate change mitigation through retention of feedstock carbon in final products.