SL to create a US$ 1.5 bn graphene-based industry

Colombo (News 1st): Sri Lanka is set to mass-produce graphene-based lead-acid batteries, targeting to create a US$ 1.5 billion graphene-based industry in the country. The project plans to position itself among the world’s top five graphene manufacturers in a few years and drive the country towards product design engineering using graphene-based products. The initiative is the product of a joint venture named Ceylon Graphine Technologies, between the Sri Lanka Institute of Nano Technology and LOLC. R&D Engineering Manager Nadeeshan Jayakody noted that Sri Lanka exports graphite for an average price of US$ 1.5 per kilo. However, he said converting graphite into graphene, can easily add a price tag of US$ 3500 per kilo or a higher price. Meanwhile, the Lead of Research and Development Engineer at SLINTEC, Niroshan Manoharan noted that by these initiatives, they can increase our technological exports by 1.3%. Senior Research Scientist at SLINTEC, Dr.Nuwan De Silva said the objective here is to produce graphene, on large scale using Sri Lankan graphite resources. He said this is an important value addition to local mineral resources, as Sri Lanka is the only country that produces ultra-pure highly crystalized graphite in the world. The global graphene market value was estimated to be US$ 35 million in 2018 and is expected to reach US$ 406 million by 2026.