Monash carbonises research

Monash University is licensing 3 patents exclusively to Sydney-based graphite exploration company Bora Bora Resources. All patents are based on research developed by Australian graphene expert Dan Li and his team, and relate to large-scale applications for the material.

Bora Bora will collaborate closely with Li and his team to explore new applications of Sri Lankan vein graphite – named thus because Sri Lanka is the only place to mine commercial quantities; the material can be found elsewhere – and develop next-generation graphene-based materials and technologies. Bora Bora will exclusively supply Sri Lankan graphite to Li’s team for research and development into graphene.

Using natural graphite as the starting material, Dan Li’s group has developed a chain of platform technologies for cost-effective, scalable synthesis and processing, and multi-scale structural engineering of graphene-based macroscopic materials. The research has potential applications in areas such as energy storage and conversion, biomedicine, ultrasensitive sensors and aerospace materials.

While many graphene startups focus on producing graphene powders, Li’s research ensures high economic viability. The partnership with Bora Bora Resources came out of the company supplying samples of Sri Lankan vein graphite to the Melbourne-based university, which formed the basis for negotiating and entering into the memorandum and exclusive joint venture.

Chris Cowan, Bora Bora’s executive director, said: “These exceptional products sell at a premium multiple well in excess of what standard graphite producers receive for their end product. It is pleasing that Prof Li has chosen Bora Bora Resources as Monash University’s exclusive partner in commercialising these graphene discoveries.”