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Graphene battery pioneer Nanotech Energy raises $27.5 million in Series C funding

Los Angeles-based Nanotech Energy, a major supplier of graphene, has raised $27.5 million in a Series C funding round.

The company’s US-made Nanotech Energy Graphene Super Battery is designed to be non-flammable, and Nanotech claims it will deliver better longevity and much faster charging than current batteries.

“We are confident that we have a one-of-a-kind, industry-changing product that will impact the technologies and bottom lines of multiple end-user markets,” said Chairman and CEO Dr. Jack Kavanaugh. “This round of funding allows us to dramatically expand our production of graphene batteries, as well as our production of conductive epoxies, conductive inks and electromagnetic interference shielding spray paints and films.”

“We perfected the battery by utilizing the extraordinary electronic and mechanical properties of graphene to increase the battery capacity,” said co-founder and CTO Dr. Maher El-Kady. “To further increase the safety of a lithium-ion battery, we took a step further by designing a non-flammable electrolyte that can withstand operation at high temperatures without catching fire.”

“Graphene is one of the strongest known materials, is completely flexible, and an excellent conductor of electricity—thus preventing the battery from overheating,” said UCLA Professor Dr. Richard Kaner. “More importantly, graphene can withstand the volume changes of the battery electrodes during charge and discharge, reducing the chances of an internal short circuit; leading to a safer and more powerful battery.”

The demand for safer batteries is real, and understandable. However, some may find some of Nanotech’s marketing messages a bit too inflammatory (figuratively and literally). A press release and video make much of the fire hazards associated with current Li-ion batteries, in a manner reminiscent of the sort of material churned out by anti-EV campaigners.

In preparation for its graphene battery launch, Nanotech has been working on the development of a non-flammable battery for Daimler. “Three years ago, we challenged Nanotech Energy to provide us with the safest non-flammable battery chemistry,” said Andreas Hintennach, Daimler’s Global Head of Battery Research. “Nanotech Energy exceeded our challenge. Usually you sacrifice performance once you develop extremely safe chemistry. Now, for the first time, we have access to extremely safe chemistry that provides high performance and we are very pleased.”

Source: Nanotech Energy

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