Author: Energeia Graphenemex

Graphene Aerogels

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Graphene Aerogels

A Revolution in Decontamination and Industrial Efficiency

Aerogels are synthetic, translucent materials with a gel-like appearance in which the liquid content is replaced with air or gas, creating a porous network of interconnected nanostructures. They are typically made from silica, alumina, chromium oxide, titanium, tin, or carbon, each offering specialized properties for different industries. For instance, in construction, they provide thermal and acoustic insulation; in food, they control moisture; in medicine, they release drugs and repair bone defects; in agriculture, they optimize water usage; and in environmental purification, they adsorb contaminants in water and air.

“Despite their advantages, aerogels face challenges such as fragility and high costs, prompting ongoing research to improve them.”

Graphene, a planar nanostructure consisting of one to ten layers of tightly bonded carbon atoms, boasts extraordinary mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties transferable to other materials. However, to ensure this transfer, graphene often undergoes additional functionalization with oxygen groups or chemical/physical dopants like DNA molecules, metallic ions, nanoparticles, or polymers. These modifications inhibit the π-π stacking of graphene layers, improving their interaction and stability—key challenges given graphene’s tendency to aggregate.

“A critical factor for graphene’s performance is the proper dispersion and distribution of its layers throughout the host material matrix.”

The intersection of aerogels and graphene lies in the fact that aerogels provide a three-dimensional macroscopic structure where graphene can remain stable without aggregating. Additionally, graphene enhances aerogel properties, such as lightweight construction, electrical conductivity, thermal insulation, compressibility, and elasticity. It also allows functionalization with other materials like cobalt hydroxide, cobalt oxide, manganese dioxide, molybdenum oxide, molybdenum disulfide, nitrogen, sulfur, or boron to improve electrochemical detection performance, supercapacitor efficiency, electrocatalytic functions, or contaminant adsorption.

Graphene Aerogels for Decontamination:

Graphene’s adsorbent capabilities are well-documented, particularly in its oxidized form, graphene oxide (GO), which offers a large surface area and numerous interaction sites for capturing pollutants. However, challenges such as the difficulty of removing adsorbed substances and recycling GO sheets limit practical applications. Recent advancements suggest that three-dimensional graphene aerogels effectively prevent GO aggregation during adsorption and enhance regeneration capabilities. These new structures, with their extremely low density, high porosity, and large surface area, facilitate contaminant diffusion and adsorption within the 3D network while enabling recyclability.

A 2024 study published in the renowned journal Nature detailed two methods for producing graphene aerogels. This research evaluated the photocatalytic capacity of both materials, finding superior performance compared to non-graphene counterparts. The study also analyzed various toxic organic solvents, pigments, and oils, such as formaldehyde, dichloromethane, acetone, ethanol, methanol, pump oil, castor oil, and silicone oil, achieving higher decontamination rates. Additionally, graphene aerogels have been shown to remove up to 99% of heavy metals from water, outperforming conventional adsorbents like activated carbon and other treatment methods like ion exchange, coagulation, and filtration. These advantages stem from their larger surface area, higher adsorption capacity, longer lifespan, and regenerative properties.

In air decontamination, most systems use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters with activated carbon. However, their limited adsorption capacity necessitates frequent maintenance and filter replacements. Addressing this issue, a study by Tianjin University in China explored the photocatalytic capability of titanium dioxide combined with the adsorption capacity of graphene aerogels. The research concluded that the synergy between these materials offers significant advantages over conventional filtration systems.

This demonstrates how two distinct technologies can merge to create synergies and address various challenges. For Energeia-Graphenemex, a leading Latin American company in graphene material production and application development, it is inspiring to see how graphene technology is gradually making a positive impact across different industrial sectors.

Authored by: EF/DHS

References:

  1. Gaelle Nassar, et. al., A review on the current research on graphene-based aerogels and their applications. Carbon Trends 4 (2021) 100065;
  2. Ting Yao et. al., Preparation of β-cyclodextrin-reduced graphene oxide aerogel and its application for adsorption of herbicides. Journal of Cleaner Production, 468, (2024) 143109;
  3. Karabo G. Sekwele et. al., Cellulose, graphene and graphene‑cellulose composite aerogels and their application in water treatment: a review. Discover Materials (2024) 4:23;
  4. Ashish K. Kasar et al., Graphene aerogel and its composites: synthesis, properties and applications. Journal of Porous Materials (2022) 29:1011

Graphene

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Graphene

The Most Versatile Carbon Allotrope with Extraordinary Properties 

Carbon is one of Earth’s most abundant elements and vital for living organisms. Known as the “king” of the periodic table, its chemical properties are exceptional due to an electronic structure capable of forming single, double, and triple bonds, allowing it to create up to ten million compounds. 

Carbon allotropes are carbon-based materials with different molecular configurations and, consequently, unique properties. For instance, in graphite, a soft, thermally resistant, and electrically conductive material, carbon atoms form three covalent bonds in a hexagonal pattern, arranged in stacked layers loosely bonded together. 

Graphite’s common uses include pencils, batteries, and lubricants. Meanwhile, in diamond, an insulating material highly valued in jewelry, carbon atoms are bonded covalently in a tetrahedral structure, giving it extreme hardness used mainly for cutting tools. 

Other lesser-known carbon allotropes are nanometric in size (smaller than 0.1 microns). These include fullerenes, which resemble a soccer ball and can act as semiconductors or superconductors; single- or multi-walled nanotubes, tubular carbon layers known for their strength, elasticity, and conductivity. 


Finally, Graphene is a molecule composed of carbon layers similar to graphite, but in isolated blocks of one to ten layers, offering superior properties in mechanical strength, thermal and electrical conductivity, among others. 

“Other materials should not be classified as carbon allotropes, e.g., activated carbon and carbon black, defined as carbonaceous materials obtained from carbon-containing raw materials.” 

Activated Carbon, or charcoal, resembles graphite but has a rough and porous structure with a significant adsorptive capacity, mainly used to remove pollutants in air or water. Unlike graphite or graphene, which have carbon atoms organized in a hexagonal pattern, activated carbon consists of heptagonal and pentagonal rings with disorganized impurities, often produced by carbonizing biomass like wood, coconut shells, bones, or petroleum coke in the absence of air, followed by partial gasification with steam or carbon dioxide to alter its porosity. 

“In activated carbon, ‘activation’ refers to the use of physical or chemical means to increase its porosity and surface area.” 

Carbon Black, or soot, is an amorphous carbon colloid made of aggregated nanometric spheres with about 1% organic species. It is obtained from the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons like petroleum under controlled conditions. Although it shares a carbonaceous nature with activated carbon, its properties depend on particle distance rather than porosity. While activated carbon is valued for its adsorptive properties, carbon black is used as a rubber reinforcement, in conductive pigments, or as a UV stabilizer. 

What Makes Graphene a Superior Material? Among carbon allotropes and carbonaceous materials, graphene is the most revolutionary nanomaterial and is considered the fundamental unit of all graphite forms, as it can be curved into fullerenes, rolled into nanotubes, or stacked into graphite. Graphene’s superior properties stem from the strong, organized bonds between its atoms, creating a honeycomb structure that explains its mechanical strength, while a free electron from each carbon atom allows its excellent conductivity. 

Graphene’s extraordinary multifunctionality extends beyond its mechanical and conductive properties; it is also extremely lightweight, transparent, impermeable, biocompatible, antimicrobial, anticorrosive, radiation-resistant, and can chemically interact with other substances to share its properties. This adaptability promotes its use in various industries, from construction to enhance concrete properties; recycling and plastics to extend material lifespan; anticorrosive and antimicrobial coatings to increase protective efficiency, to electronics, energy, and biomedical fields, offering benefits tailored to each sector’s needs.

 How Is Graphene Produced? There are two main techniques to obtain graphene. The first, known as “bottom-up,” involves Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), which extracts carbon atoms from gases like methane. Although well-known, this method is rarely used for industrial production due to low scale and high costs. The second and more common method is “top-down,” involving mechanical, electrochemical, or chemical exfoliation of bulk graphite to isolate carbon or graphene layers. Fewer than 10 layers is considered graphene, while more layers are classified as graphite. Graphene, unlike 3D graphite, has a two-dimensional structure (2D), where thickness is on a nanometric scale. One defining feature is that graphene is just one atom thick. 

Energeia-Graphenemex®, a pioneering Mexican company in Latin America focused on graphene material research and production, excels in creating patented methods and processes for scalable graphene production. This ensures availability for developing applications, whether in-house or as a strategic partner with companies interested in innovating and enhancing products with this extraordinary technology. 

Written by EF/DHS 

Carbonation and Graphene Oxide:

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Carbonation and Graphene Oxide:

A Solution for Reducing CO₂ Emissions

In previous articles, we discussed the cement industry’s impact on CO₂ emissions and the commitments made to reduce them by 2050. Today, we explore how carbonation—a process generally seen as a concrete pathology—could help offset some CO₂ emissions from cement production.

What is Carbonation?

In concrete, carbonation is a natural process where CO₂ from the environment reacts with moisture in the concrete, converting the alkaline calcium hydroxide in cement paste to calcium carbonate with a more neutral pH. This reaction lowers the concrete’s pH from around 12–13 to approximately 9, exposing steel reinforcements to corrosion.

What Affects Carbonation?

Carbonation rate depends on the diffusion of CO₂ and its reactivity with the cement matrix, which is in turn influenced by the matrix’s microstructure, hydration products (calcium hydroxide, calcium silicate hydrate, alkaline oxides, etc.), and pore structure (distribution, size, and saturation). Therefore, carbonation proceeds more slowly in low-permeability or dry concretes than in permeable ones with 50–60% humidity. To reduce porosity and calcium hydroxide levels, micrometric additives like fly ash, blast furnace slag, metakaolin, silica fume, and some nanomaterials are used during concrete production, alongside practices like applying surface coatings.

Carbonation as an Emission Reduction Tool

Carbonation can be viewed in two ways: first, as a concrete pathology, and second, as a CO₂-reducing opportunity. There are two types of carbonation: natural and accelerated. Natural carbonation is slow and does not capture CO₂, while accelerated (or mineral) carbonation uses high CO₂ concentrations, speeding up cement hydration and producing carbonates in which CO₂ is permanently stored in a thermodynamically stable mineral form. This process, known as recarbonation, involves the same carbonate used as a raw material in cement production. Companies like Blue Planet, Carbon Cure, Solidia Technologies, and Carbi Crete are developing strategies to sequester up to 17 kg of CO₂ per cubic meter of prefabricated concrete, as this process requires controlled conditions.

Graphene Oxide (GO) and Its Impact

Graphene oxide (GO) is a carbon nanostructure whose multifunctionality offers numerous benefits across industries. In concrete, GO enhances mechanical strength and durability, though its effects on carbonation and CO₂ capture are less well-documented.

Research conducted by the University of Arlington, Texas, in 2022 examined GO’s interaction mechanism in concrete cured under accelerated carbonation. Results indicated that GO, by improving cement hydration, refines concrete pores with calcium carbonate precipitated on hydration products and cement particles, limiting chemical reactions between hydration products and CO₂ under continuous CO₂ flow. The study concluded that GO not only enhances concrete’s mechanical properties but also helps capture and store up to 30% of atmospheric CO₂ during early curing stages.

Authored by: EF/ DHS

References

  1. Geetika Mishra, et al., Carbon sequestration in graphene oxide modified cementitious system, Journal of Building Engineering, 2022, 62, 105356;
  2. Nur Azni Farhana Mazri et al., Graphene and its tailoring as emerging 2D nanomaterials in efficient CO2 absorption: A state-of-the-art interpretative review. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 2023, 77, 479;
  3. Mohd Hanifa et al., A review on CO2 capture and sequestration in the construction industry: Emerging approaches and commercialised technologies, Journal of CO2 Utilization, 2023, 67, 102292;
  4. Yating Ye et al., Optimizing the Properties of Hybrids Based on Graphene Oxide forCarbon Dioxide Capture, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2022, 61, 1332;
  5. Sanglakpam Chiranjiakumari Devi et al., Influence of graphene oxide on sulfate attack and carbonation of concrete containing recycled concrete aggregate, Construction and Building Materials, 2020, 250, 118883

Advances in Fire Protection:

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Advances in Fire Protection:

The Promise of Graphene Oxide in Intumescent Coatings

Intumescent coatings are specialized paints applied to concrete and steel structures in industrial and residential buildings to offer fire protection. They provide safety by allowing enough time for evacuation and assistance in the event of a fire.

During a fire, these coatings expand and form a carbonized foam that isolates the fire and limits its spread, while simultaneously releasing non-combustible gases that reduce the oxygen concentration around the structures, protecting them from significant damage for approximately 1 to 3 hours.

The main components of intumescent coatings are a polymeric binder, an acid source (e.g., ammonium polyphosphate – APP), an expansion additive (e.g., melamine – MEL), a carbon source (e.g., pentaerythritol – PER), and other filler elements (e.g., expandable graphite), which often influence the expansion factor and fire retardancy.

Despite their efficiency, the carbonized foam formed by the APP-MEL-PER system may have poor oxidation resistance at high temperatures, leading to lower fire-retardant efficiency and easier destruction during combustion. Therefore, other additives such as calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, silica, and certain carbon materials have been explored to enhance their protection. For example, expandable graphite in epoxy coatings improves thermal degradation and fire resistance; carbon nanotubes reduce the heat release rate in polymers, and graphene oxide (GO), thanks to its reticular nanostructure, has been identified as an effective thermal barrier to prevent flame diffusion and reduce heat propagation. This occurs because GO, when evenly dispersed within the coating matrix, forms a “tortuous path” that reduces the thermal diffusion rate and matrix decomposition, thus improving fire resistance and mechanical strength.

Although no intumescent coatings with graphene oxide are currently on the market, research has shown that GO can improve the APP-MEL-PER system by promoting the decomposition reaction of APP, which accelerates the formation of phosphoric acid that reacts with PER to form carbon. While it has been observed that GO may slightly decrease the thermal stability of coatings, its presence encourages gas production and intumescent coefficients, reducing thermal conductivity.

Energeia-Graphenemex®, in collaboration with a renowned Mexican specialized coatings company, is working on a new development to launch the first intumescent coating with graphene oxide to continue placing Mexico at the forefront of new technologies.

Authored by: EF/DHS

References:

  1. Wang Zhan et al., Influence of graphene on fire protection of intumescent fire retardant

coating for steel structure, Energy Reports 6 (2020) 693;

  • Qiuchen Zhang et al., Effects and Mechanisms of Ultralow Concentrations of Different Types of Graphene Oxide Flakes on Fire Resistance of Water-Based Intumescent Coatings, Coatings 2024, 14, 162;
  • M. Sabet, et al., The Effect of Graphene Oxide on Flame Retardancy of Polypropylene and Polystyrene, Materials Performance and Characterization 9, no. 1 (2020): 284;
  • Cheng‑Fei Cao et al., Fire Intumescent, High‑Temperature Resistant, Mechanically Flexible Graphene Oxide Network for Exceptional Fire Shielding and Ultra‑Fast Fire Warning, Nano-Micro Lett. (2022) 14:92;
  • Quanyi Liu et al., Recent advances in the flame retardancy role of graphene and its derivatives in epoxy resin materials. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 2021, 149, 106539

The Impact of Graphene on the Plastic Industry:

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The Impact of Graphene on the Plastic Industry:

Innovation and Sustainability

The origins of plastic trace back to 1860 in the United States when Phelan & Collander, amid an ivory shortage—a material widely used for billiard balls, piano keys, jewelry, and decorative structures—announced a call for a material capable of replacing ivory, offering substantial financial compensation for the time. John Wesley Hyatt proposed “celluloid,” a plant-based carbohydrate that, while not fully replacing ivory, became the stepping stone for the development of plastic, with immediate successors like Bakelite and PVC leading to today’s engineering plastics.

The term “plastic” comes from the Greek “plastikos,” meaning “moldable.”

Plastics are synthetic materials obtained through various polymerization processes from petroleum derivatives. Their evolution and refinement have made them essential to numerous industries and activities. However, after years of unchecked use, plastics have become both a solution for many needs and a significant environmental and health issue, as their versatility and demand have also led to increased waste. As a result, the not-so-new philosophy of sustainable circularity, or the circular economy, involves not only awareness of resource use but also economic, infrastructure, and recycling process adaptations.

Recycling involves reprocessing used materials, such as plastics, for reuse. While an excellent tool for preserving natural resources and reducing waste, two key points must be considered. First, recycling doesn’t apply in all cases because not all plastics are recyclable. Second, reprocessing involves stages where materials may lose properties compared to virgin plastics, limiting their use in many industrial applications.

Over the past 20 years, nanotechnology’s intervention in modifying polymers like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), among others, with carbon nanoparticles like graphene or carbon nanotubes (CNTs), has yielded interesting results regarding improved mechanical, rheological, electrical, and thermal properties. Graphene’s advantage over CNTs, in addition to other intrinsic properties, lies in its sheet-like structure, whose large surface area and greater dispersibility allow it to create more homogeneous phases, improving load transfer and thereby increasing the mechanical strength of modified plastics.

Companies such as Gerdau Graphene (Brazil), Graphenetech S.L. (Spain), Colloids (UK), and Energeia-Graphenemex (Mexico) have positioned various types of graphene-based masterbatches or concentrated plastics in the market over the past five years. Although each company has its own objectives and markets, there are environmental and economic points of convergence that motivated them to improve the plastic industry. Graphene, even in low concentrations (< 2% by weight), can enhance the quality of both virgin and recycled polymers. For example, graphene can increase flexural modulus by 30%, impact resistance by 40%, tensile strength by 17%, and resistance to rupture by 60%. It can also improve resistance to photodegradation. Depending on the specific needs of each development or application, it is possible to restore some of the mechanical properties of recycled plastics and/or extend the material’s lifespan to reduce the circulation of single-use plastics or, alternatively, achieve the same mechanical properties of polymers with reduced thickness.

Energeia – Graphenemex®, the leading Mexican company in Latin America in graphene material research and production for industrial applications, launched a wide range of graphene-based masterbatches in 2023 through its Graphenergy Masterbatch line, designed to be used as multifunctional reinforcement additives. Key advantages include:

  • Excellent dispersion within the polymer matrix
  • Can be incorporated into recycled polymers
  • Increase tensile, deformation, and impact resistance
  • Improve resistance to ultraviolet rays
  • Facilitate processing conditions (thermal stability)
  • Act as nucleating agents (modify polymer crystallization temperature).

Drafting: EF/DHS

References:

  1. Ramazan Asmatulu et al., Synthesis and Analysis of Injection-Molded Nanocomposites of Recycled High-Density Polyethylene Incorporated With Graphene Nanoflakes, POLYMER COMPOSITES—2015;
  2. Feras Korkees et al., Functionalised graphene effect on the mechanical and thermal properties of recycled PA6/PA6,6 blends. 2021 Journal of Composite Materials 55(16);
  3. Devinda Wijerathne et. al., Mechanical and graphe properties of graphene nanoplatelets-reinforced recycled polycarbonate composites. International Journal of Lightweight Materials and Manufacture 6 (2023) 117e128;
  4. Abdou Khadri Diallo et al., A multifunctional additive for sustainability, Sustainable Materials and Technologies, 33, 2022, e000487.
Over the past three decades, the cement industry has reduced CO2 emissions by 40% through clinkerization improvements. In 2021, Mexican cement companies aligned with a roadmap towards a low-carbon economy. Nanotechnologies like graphene oxide (GO) offer significant enhancements, increasing concrete durability, reducing cement use, and improving strength. These innovations benefit both energy efficiency and corrosion control, as well as material workability.

Innovation with Graphene

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Innovation with Graphene

Towards a More Sustainable and Efficient Cement Industry

Part 2

For the cement industry, reducing CO2 emissions is not a new topic. Over the past 30 years, producers have managed to reduce approximately 40% of the fuel needed for the clinkerization process, thus reducing CO2 emissions by the same proportion, given that around 900 g of CO2 are produced per kilogram of cement.

Over ten years ago, a collaboration between the International Energy Agency, the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), and the Inter-American Cement Federation (FICEM) established the first roadmap for emission reduction. This laid the groundwork for the National Chamber of Cement (CANACEM), FICEM, and companies such as CEMEX, Cruz Azul, Cementos Chihuahua, Cementos Fortaleza, Holcim México, and Cementos Moctezuma to evaluate emissions and determine strategies for low-carbon cement production.

According to the CANACEM roadmap, the main indicators for CO2 reduction are 1) the Clinker/Cement ratio, 2) co-processing, 3) energy efficiency, and 4) exploring new technologies such as CO2 capture, clinker reduction, and cement reinforcement.

In a previous article addressing environmental challenges in the construction industry and the goal of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, key opportunities for graphene nanotechnology in sustainable construction were highlighted, including:

  1. Cement reduction,
  2. Waste utilization,
  3. Cost reduction,
  4. Energy efficiency.

On September 4, the website https://www.graphene-info.com/ published the new edition of the Graphene-enhanced Construction Materials Market Report, which delves deeper into the advantages of using graphene in construction materials, related companies, ongoing projects, and research.

Graphene oxide (GO) is a carbon-based nanomaterial with sheet-like structures smaller than 100 nm or 0.1 microns in width and only one atom thick. It has hydroxyl (OH), epoxy (-O-), carboxyl (COOH), and carbonyl (C=O) functional groups on its surface that allow it to interact with cement C-S-H crystals, improving the hydration process. The properties of GO that make it attractive as a chemical modifier for cement include high tensile strength (130 GPa), large surface area (2630 m²/g), high thermal conductivity (5300 W/mK), and barrier properties. This interaction helps improve the properties of cement-based structures, such as concrete, resulting in the following:

  1. Reduced cement consumption in concrete structures while achieving similar mechanical properties, with compressive strength increased by 5% to 30%, tensile strength by 8% to 20%, elastic modulus by 4% to 12%, and abrasion resistance by 10% to 12%.
  2. Better quality and more durable concrete structures due to lower porosity, increasing impermeability by 12% to 60%, improving performance in aggressive environments.
  3. Enhanced thermal diffusivity of concrete, providing better thermal crack control, fire resistance, and de-icing capability for pavements.
  4. Improved workability, better appearance of structures, faster setting time, and easier mold release, as GO acts as a catalyst in the cement hydration reaction.
  5. Protection against microbiologically induced corrosion, as GO limits the conditions necessary for microbial attachment and reproduction.

Since 2018, Energeia-Graphenemex® has been exploring the benefits of graphene nanotechnology across various industrial sectors. As experts in the field, they recommend conducting validation tests, considering the multiple variables in the construction sector, especially those related to new cement compositions, to achieve optimal dosage results, always guided by trained personnel.

Authored by: EF/DHS

References

  1. M. Murali et al., Utilizing graphene oxide in cementitious composites: A systematic review. Case Studies in Construction Materials 17 (2022) e01359.
  2. Z. Pan, et al., Mechanical properties and microstructure of a graphene oxide–cement composite, Cem. Concr. Compos. vol. 58 (2015) 140–147, https://doi. org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2015.02.001
  3. E. Cuenca, L. D’Ambrosio, D. Lizunov, A. Tretjakov, O. Volobujeva, L. Ferrara, Mechanical properties and self-healing capacity of ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete with alumina nano-fibres: tailoring ultra high durability concrete for aggressive exposure scenarios, Cem. Concr. Compos. vol. 118 (2021).
  4. N. Makul, Modern sustainable cement and concrete composites: review of current status, challenges and guidelines, Sustain. Mater. Technol. vol. 25 (2020); 5. L. Lu, P. Zhao, Z. Lu, A short discussion on how to effectively use graphene oxide to reinforce cementitious composites, Constr. Build. Mater. vol. 189 (2018) 33–41.
  5. Q. Wang, J. Wang, C.-x Lu, B.-w Liu, K. Zhang, C.-z Li, Influence of graphene oxide additions on the microstructure and mechanical strength of cement, N. Carbon Mater. vol. 30 (4) (2015) 349–356.
  6. https://canacem.org.mx/site/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Hoja-de-Ruta-Mexico-FICEM.pdf.
  7. https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.thegraphenecouncil.org/resource/resmgr/case_studies/first_graphene__-_greening_c.pdf
  8. https://www.graphene-info.com

Innovation with Graphene

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Innovation with Graphene:

Towards a More Sustainable and Efficient Cement Industry

Part 1

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colorless, odorless, and non-toxic gas naturally present in the atmosphere. Under normal conditions, it should remain balanced to retain the heat necessary for human survival without becoming a greenhouse gas. However, overpopulation, industrialization, and environmental exploitation have disrupted this balance, making CO2 levels increasingly difficult to control. Consequently, these levels rise, concentrate, absorb radiation, and prevent heat from escaping, contributing to global warming.

According to statistics, cement production and the fossil fuel industry (coal, oil, and natural gas) are responsible for releasing about 90% of CO2 and probably 70% of greenhouse gases. Other industries, such as agriculture, fashion, and transportation, also contribute.

“Sustainability of our civilization depends on whether we can provide energy, food, and chemicals to the growing population without compromising the long-term health of our planet.” Doria-Serrano, 2009.

Concerning cement, the main component of concrete, reports mention that it alone accounts for between 7% and 8% of global CO2 emissions. For reference, producing one ton of clinker, the main component of cement, releases approximately ~0.86 tons of CO2, of which around 60% comes from the transformation of limestone into calcium oxide or lime at an average temperature of 1450 °C, a process also known as clinker burning. The remaining 40% is attributed to the combustion of fossil fuel (coal) necessary for the calcination of limestone and clinker formation.

“In 2021, carbon emissions from cement production reached nearly 2,900 million tons of carbon dioxide, while in 2002, 1,400 million tons were recorded.” The Global Carbon Project.

Therefore, to achieve the net-zero emissions target by 2050 required by the Paris Agreement, the cement industry has been forced to take measures to reduce its impact by using alternative fuels (biomass, tires, urban solid waste); improving energy efficiency by reducing the clinkerization temperature through fluxes and mineralizers (such as CaF2, BaO, SnO2, P2O5, Na2O, NiO, ZnO, etc.) or by renewing kilns; modifying cement chemistry with supplementary materials to reduce clinker consumption or capture CO2; and, recently, using graphene to improve the quality of cement and concrete.

“By 2050, global concrete consumption is expected to increase by 12% to 23% from 25 billion per year.”

According to the National Cement Chamber (CANACEM), most projects registered in Latin America are working on replacing fossil fuels with alternative fuels; Mexico is the only country registering higher production of blended cements to reduce clinker content.

Graphene is a nanomaterial consisting of atomic carbon sheets separated from graphite, with mechanical, electrical, thermal, and barrier properties superior to other carbon-based materials, allowing it to venture into countless applications and industries, including construction. According to estimates by Graphene Flagship, the use of graphene in construction is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 30%.

“The production of 1 kg of graphene produces 0.17 kg of CO2, compared to 0.86 kg of CO2 for Portland cement, reinforcing the nanomaterial’s environmental advantages.”

Since the isolation of graphene in 2004 and the subsequent Nobel Prize in Physics 2010 awarded to its discoverers, an international race began to study, understand, and obtain the nanomaterial in sufficient quantities for large-scale applications at an affordable cost. In the construction sector, it was not until 2018 that research and investments manifested their first results in various parts of the world, such as:

2018: Graphenemex® launched Nanocreto®, the world’s first graphene oxide concrete additive (Mexico).

2019: Graphenenano developed Smart additives, graphene additives for concrete (Spain).

2019: GrapheneCA presented its OG concrete admix product line for the concrete industry (USA).

2021: Scientists at the University of Manchester developed the Concretene concrete additive (UK).

2022: Energeia Fusion-Graphenemex® launched the Graphenergy construction line, an improved version of Nanocreto® (Mexico).

2022: Versarien presented Cementene™, the world’s first 3D-printed construction with a graphene-reinforced mix (UK).

Basquiroto de Souza and collaborators, in their article “Graphene opens pathways to a carbon-neutral cement industry” published in 2022 in Science Bulletin, summarized the opportunities that graphene has for the sustainability of construction materials:

Reduction of Portland cement thanks to significant improvements in compressive strength and elastic modulus of concrete.

Increase the use of by-products or recycled materials in concrete to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 7%, as well as a 2% reduction in energy consumption during the manufacture of graphene oxide reinforced mortar.

Reduction in construction costs due to improved strength or greater incorporation of by-products or waste materials. A cost analysis concluded that while the use of graphene oxide may slightly increase concrete costs, the economy index (compressive strength/cost per m3) of the mixes can increase by up to 40%.

Reduction in maintenance costs. By improving the quality of concrete structures, reductions in CO2 emissions are inferred through a reduction in the amount of construction materials and energy associated with maintenance.

Energy-efficient buildings: graphene’s thermal properties can also be applied to buildings to achieve energy savings by reducing the use of cooling/heating systems.

For Energeia-Graphenemex®, the leading company in Latin America in designing applications with graphene materials, it is a pride to be part of the graphene timeline for sustainable construction.

Authored by: EF/DHS

References

  1. Ige, O.E.; Olanrewaju, O.A.; Duffy, K.J.; Collins, O.C. Environmental Impact Analysis of Portland Cement (CEM1) Using the Midpoint Method. Energies 2022, 15, 2708.
  2. International Energy Agency, World Business Council for Sustainable Development. Technology roadmap – low-carbon transition in the cement industry. April 2018
  3. Felipe Basquiroto de Souza, Xupei Yao, Wenchao Gao, Wenhui Duan, Graphene opens pathways to a carbon-neutral cement industry, Science Bulletin, 2022, 67, 1, 2022, 5
  4. Papanikolaou I, Arena N, Al-Tabbaa A. Graphene nanoplatelet reinforced concrete for self-sensing structures– a lifecycle assessment perspective. Journal of Cleaner Production, 2019, 240: 118202
  5. Devi S, Khan R. Effect of graphene oxide on mechanical and durability performance of concrete. Journal of Building Engineering, 2020, 27: 101007
  6. Doria- Serrano. Química verde: un nuevo enfoque para el cuidado del medio ambiente. Educación química. 2009. UNAM.
  7. https://theplanetapp.com/que-son-las-emisiones-de-co2/
  8. https://graphene-flagship.eu/materials/news/materials-of-the-future-graphene-and-concrete/#:~:text=Graphene%2Denhanced%20concrete%20is%202.5,CO2%20emissions%20by%2030%25.
  9. https://www.versarien.com/files/5716/3050/8952/White_Paper_-_Graphene_for_the_construction_sector_-_final_version.pdf

Innovations in Water Technologies

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Innovations in Water Technologies:

The Impact of Graphene

As of June 2024, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) recorded that around 50% of Mexican territory was in severe drought, 30% in extreme drought, and 11% in exceptional drought, significantly impacting not only the supply of drinking water—only 52.3% of the population in Mexico has this service—but also numerous economic activities such as the agricultural and livestock sectors.

However, the water crisis is not a national issue alone. According to WHO/UNICEF, over 2000 million people worldwide lack access to potable water. These organizations have defined sustainable development goals for 2030 to ensure water availability, critical for improving hygiene education; protecting and restoring ecosystems; using water resources efficiently; investing in infrastructure and sanitation facilities; and promoting new water technologies, such as irrigation systems, rainwater collection, and treatment and reuse methods.

One such technology is nanotechnology, revolutionized 20 years ago by the isolation of graphene, a multifunctional carbon-based nanomaterial in the diamond and graphite family. Numerous studies have evaluated its effects on materials used in water technologies, such as filtration membranes and flocculants. Graphene’s extraordinary physicochemical characteristics, which can be controlled and shared with other three-dimensional materials, sparked interest. Initial studies as a nanofiller in primarily polymeric matrices revealed significant mechanical, antiadhesive, antifriction, antimicrobial, and filtering improvements. These enhancements increased its lifespan, reduced organic matter buildup on surfaces, and maintained consistent water flow and filtration efficiency.

For example, researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Tel Aviv University in Israel successfully developed a silica aerogel with graphene oxide for wastewater decontamination. Meanwhile, scientists from Palacký University in Olomouc, Czech Republic, under the 2D-CHEM project funded by the European Research Council’s Graphene Flagship, designed acid graphene synthesized from fluorographene to remove heavy metals like lead and cadmium, as well as noble metals like palladium, gallium, and indium.

Notably, the promising research results on graphene in water technologies have moved from laboratories to the market. Companies exploiting its benefits include the Australian company CLEAN TEQ WATER, specializing in water treatment with presence in Melbourne, Beijing, Tianjin, and Africa. Its subsidiary NematiQ successfully developed graphene nanofiltration membranes that are more durable and energy-efficient, recently receiving the WaterMark certification as a safe product for water filtration. The British company EVOVE, formerly known as G2O Water Technologies, utilizes hydrophilic graphene oxide coatings to enhance the performance of conventional ceramic or polymeric membranes.

Finally, collaborative efforts between Graphene Flagship scientists and European leaders in water purification, such as Icon Lifesaver, Medica SpA, and Polymem S.A, through the GRAPHIL project, aim to introduce a new filtration system using hollow fiber polymer membranes mixed with graphene for safe potable water management, primarily for domestic use.

Graphene’s advancements are gradually gaining ground beyond academic borders to address one of the world’s most pressing issues. Energeia-Graphenemex®, a pioneering Mexican company in Latin America in the production and development of graphene materials applications, collaborates with other companies and research centers to find strategies to improve water availability and quality, aiming to bring new graphene applications to the market in the short term.

Author: EF/DHS

Innovation in Non-Stick Coatings

Posted on | by Energeia Graphenemex

Innovation in Non-Stick Coatings:

Integration of Graphene Materials for Enhanced Properties and Performance

Currently, non-stick coatings refer to coatings that, to some extent, prevent the adhesion of substances, whether solid or liquid, to the surface they are applied on. The non-stick capability of these coatings is based on their very low surface tension, also known as surface energy, represented by “γ”.

For coatings to be considered non-stick, they must have a surface energy, γ, less than 26 mJ/m² and water contact angles greater than 90°. A surface where the drop forms a contact angle greater than 90° is a hydrophobic surface. This condition implies low wettability, adhesiveness, and surface energy (see Fig. 1). In contrast, if the surface is hydrophilic, a contact angle less than 90° will be observed, and the wettability, adhesiveness, and surface energy will be high.

Fig. 1 Scheme representing the contact angles of a hydrophobic and hydrophilic surface.

Industrially, there are multiple non-stick coatings based on fluoropolymers. The uses and applications of fluoropolymers in coatings cover a wide range of products. The non-stick effect and easy demolding allow their use in various industries, such as textile, chemical, automotive, and food industries, for the production of utensils, molds, tools, and equipment that need to be isolated from chemicals or food.

Most non-stick coatings have high thermal resistance; however, they do not have great abrasion resistance. The use of fluoropolymers in kitchen utensils raises concerns about the potential health risks, as harmful substances might be released during use.

In recent years, Energeia – Graphenemex®, a Mexican company leading in graphene material production, has implemented the use of these carbon-based nanomaterials. Graphene materials, such as graphene oxide and graphene, enhance properties in coatings, for example, anticorrosive, antibacterial, greater abrasion resistance, and high UV resistance.

During these property evaluations, it was observed that graphene materials can also be used as new additives for developing non-stick coatings. Incorporating graphene materials into epoxy-type coatings improved substrate adhesion; however, the finish of these coatings was smoother and shinier. When exposed to a corrosive environment, the coating showed hydrophobic behavior, keeping its surface cleaner compared to the control coating (without graphene material), which gradually lost its shine and showed wettability and contaminant deposition on the coating surface (see Fig. 2).

Fig. 2 Non-stick effects of coatings with graphene material.

Furthermore, the non-stick effect of an ecological coating with and without graphene material was evaluated. This coating is made of lime, nopal mucilage, and mineral pigments. It is well known that lime and carbonate-based materials absorb moisture easily, so the effect of graphene material in lime-based paint was studied. The results showed that the paint had an antimicrobial effect, greater UV resistance, and higher impermeability (non-stick effect).

In Fig. 3, the response of a lime-based coating with and without graphene material, when wetted by water, is shown. The coatings with graphene materials (Graphene and graphene oxide (GO)) at different concentrations showed very little deformation in the drop as its internal energy was higher than the surface energy, displaying hydrophobic behavior (water repellency). In the case of the control coating (without graphene material), it was observed to have very little non-stick capacity, absorbing water more easily due to high surface energy. The drop spread on the surface immediately when the water drop fell on the surface, showing highly hydrophilic behavior. These results showed that graphene materials modified the nature of the coating, i.e., they modified the surface energy of the coatings at the surface level.

Fig. 3 Wetting behavior of a lime-based coating, with and without graphene materials.

Currently, Energeia – Graphenemex®, a leading Mexican company in Latin America in the research and production of graphene materials for industrial application development, offers various types of graphene materials for use in developing and producing anticorrosive, antibacterial, and enhanced non-stick coatings.

References

  1. Tong, Yao &Song, Mo. (2013). Graphene based materials and their composites as coatings.
  2. Zhen, Z. & Zhu, H. Graphene: Fabrication, Characterizations, Properties and Applications. Graphene (Academic Press, 2018).
  3. Sachin Sharma Ashok Kumar, Shahid Bashir, K. Ramesh, S. Ramesh, Progress in Organic Coatings, 154, (2021)