A Nigerian born American based Scientist Paul Chukwuma Ani has embarked on research to explore the potentials of graphene to improve battery performance of electric vehicles, improve power generation and healthcare delivery services.
Graphene is a material obtained from graphite which is pure carbon. It is judged as one of the most important elements of nature which can be found in the lead of a pencil.
In an exclusive interview with Nigerian Tribune, Mr Ani described graphene as a 2D carbon material, single-atom-thick layer with amazing properties, which has been dubbed a super material because of its surprisingly incredible properties.
Ani who is a chemical engineer in training further stated that graphene is one of the thinnest and most flexible materials known to man but yet calculated to be 200 times stronger than steel with a high thermal and electrical conductivity, large surface area, transparency, and chemical stability- that makes it resistant to corrosion.
He is currently running his doctorate Degree program in Chemical Engineering with the Bioenergy System Technology Lab (BEST) research lab, at Missouri University of Science and Technology where he is designing a reactor for the production of graphene using a renewable feedstock – Biochar.
In terms of energy generation Ani explained that the collective properties of graphene make it a substantive candidate for application in several energy sectors. He said graphene has drawn much attention in battery technology where it is expected to enhance battery performance.
“A graphene battery electrode is expected to increase battery capacities due to its large surface area, its conductivity allows for fast charging and discharging. Graphene eliminates Dendrite formations in conventional Lithium-ion batteries, graphene coating can help mitigate these issues and extend the life span of batteries.
“Noteworthy is that Batteries are the lifeline for Electric vehicles (EVs)- which is a peek into the future. Graphene super properties of high electrical and thermal conductivities and mechanical strength have also drawn attention to other energy-generating devices and storage like hydrogen storage, fuel cells, and solar panels.
“Electric vehicles to turn cheaper as graphene batteries and supercapacitors are poised to replace costly batteries. Improved smartphone batteries and energy storage devices to gain from advances in graphene productions”, he explained.
In healthcare delivery, the Nigerian Born Scientist, said graphene with its electrical properties has also found applications in biosensors – a new approach to diagnostic tools.
He further asserted that graphene has been investigated as a suitable nanocarrier that can deliver drugs to targeted organs in the body – an improved approach in drug delivery technologies.
Ani also pointed out that graphene sensors are expected to be applied in a wide range of industries such as in early cancer detection, implantable sensors for mentoring health within the human body, and drug delivery.
Speaking on the safety of this graphene technology, Ani said in science, one of the fundamental questions is if the benefits outweigh the potential risks to both the environment and humans.
He explained that “graphene is relatively a new material that was brought to global attention by its discovery in 2004 by Dr. Andre Geim and Dr. Kostya Novoselov at the University of Manchester. Both received a Nobel Prize in Physics for their contribution.
“The synthesis and production of graphene are ongoing, so also is research into its environmental impact and potential harm to human health. Several hazard studies related to graphene are currently ongoing- only long-term studies can give us a definitive answer to its impacts on the environment and humans.
He however said that graphene technology will no doubt have a significant impact on the Nigerian economy of Nigeria. He said as a developing country, Nigeria requires a boost in research and development, infrastructure development, and Educational training.
“By focusing on this critical area which is currently performing abysmally in Nigeria, the government can play a part in harnessing graphene technology to drive economic growth with innovation across diverse industries that Graphene has the potential to revolutionize in a few years to come.
“Generally, I intend to apply my extensive knowledge to make advances in the area of graphene synthesis and characterization in the United States as it offers a potential for the immediate advancement of graphene applications”, he added