AGORACOM Small-cap Investor Relations Blog

Thunder Bay, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – November 14, 2019) – ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd. (TSXV:ZEN) (“ZEN” or the “Company“)  has signed the definitive graphene manufacturing process License Agreement referred to in a news release on May 30, 2019. This agreement licenses to ZEN the intellectual property created by scientists and laboratories within a renowned Canadian University. This agreement has no expiry date and provides that a royalty is payable by ZEN based on the annual amount of material processed under the intellectual property.

The company also reports that it has signed an 18-month exclusive initial option agreement with the University of Guelph (Guelph) for intellectual property regarding an electrochemical exfoliation (ECE) process to produce Graphene Oxide. In addition, the University of British Columbia (UBC) and ZEN have begun negotiating a Collaborative Research Agreement (CRA) template that will form the basis of each agreement with various UBC researchers. Neither Guelph nor UBC is party to the definitive agreement mentioned above.

Francis Dubé, CEO commented: “These three Canadian universities are contributing significantly to unlocking the value of the Albany Graphite deposit and creating a strong intellectual property foundation for the company. We are happy to bring investment dollars, both directly and indirectly, via various grants to these academic partners and will continue to support research opportunities in the exciting field of nanoscience.”

The definitive License Agreement took effect November 1, 2019 and subsequently ZEN has begun investing in certain equipment required under this process. ZEN anticipates that the equipment will be installed during Q1 2020 at its Guelph location thereby allowing the Company to start production of this graphene product for market development and subsequent sale.

The exclusive agreement with Guelph results from research and development by Prof. Aicheng Chen and his group. Early results from this process are very encouraging with Albany Graphite significantly outperforming both flake/sedimentary graphite and synthetic graphite, demonstrating again the uniqueness of ZEN’s graphite and its superior performance to exfoliate into graphene products.

Several researchers at UBC Okanagan continue to work with ZEN’s material in multiple areas including the synthesis of Graphene Quantum Dots and Graphene Oxide, along with multiple applications including battery anodes, polymers, aluminum, concrete, coatings, and others. Given that collaboration amongst UBC researchers is expected, this intellectual property template should accelerate the science by eliminating repetitive negotiation with each research team at UBC. ZEN will report on material final agreements with UBC as they are executed.

About ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd.

ZEN is an emerging graphene technology solutions company with a focus on the development of graphene-based nanomaterial products and applications. The unique Albany Graphite Project provides the company with a competitive advantage in the potential graphene market as independent labs in Japan, UK, Israel, USA and Canada have independently demonstrated that ZEN’s Albany Graphite/Naturally PureTM is an ideal precursor material which easily converts (exfoliates) to graphene, using a variety of mechanical, chemical and electrochemical methods.

For further information:

Dr. Francis Dubé, Chief Executive Officer
Tel: +1 (289) 821-2820
Email: [email protected]

• Reporting on additional results from battery development program led by Dr. Lukas Bichler and his team at the University of British Columbia
• Created a Graphene Aerogel composite anode material using a proprietary aerogel formulation containing doping with either ZEN’s reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) or Graphene (produced via ZEN’s licensed process
• Results are believed to be better than those currently reported in the literature for Graphene Aerogel batteries

Thunder Bay, Ontario–(November 1, 2019) – ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd. (TSXV: ZEN) (“ZEN” or the “Company“) and its research partner, Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt (“DLR“, the German Aerospace Center) are pleased to report on additional encouraging results from their battery development program led by Dr. Lukas Bichler and his team at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus (UBC-O). UBC-O has created a Graphene Aerogel composite anode material using a proprietary aerogel formulation containing doping with either ZEN’s reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) or Graphene (produced via ZEN’s licensed process announced in the company’s May 30, 2019 news release). Preliminary results indicate that relatively low loadings (<5 wt.%) of graphene-based material, combined with this proprietary aerogel structure, can result in an anode with a significant specific discharge capacity. Preliminary best results were achieved with a 2 wt.% loading of Graphene dispersed in aerogel and resulted in an initial specific discharge capacity of 2800 mAh/g and a discharge capacity of 1300 mAh/g after 50 cycles at a current capacity of 186 mA/g. These unoptimized results are believed to be better than those currently reported in the literature for Graphene Aerogel batteries. DLR and ZEN will present a poster of the battery results at the Batterieforum in Berlin, Germany in January 2020. Graphene-containing aerogels could have the potential to be a low-cost, low-weight, high-performance composite materials for near future energy storage applications.

DLR has applied for and received federal funding from the Helmholtz Association to create a new Helmholtz Innovation Lab, called ZAIT, or the Center for Aerogels in Industry and Technology, which will be working together with industrial partners on the development of Aerogels. ZEN supported this application with a letter of intent indicating the Company would continue to collaborate with DLR in developing graphene-based aerogel batteries and other graphene-based products.

“Our work with the team at DLR has led to very promising research and we look forward to continuing this research both at UBC-O and within the new Center for Aerogels in Industry and Technology (ZAIT), a Helmholtz Innovation Lab” commented ZEN CEO Dr. Francis Dubé. Also, Dr. Bichler indicated that “this partnership brings together expertise from Canada and Germany to jointly develop high-tech energy storage systems, which are currently not available on the market”.

About ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd.

ZEN is an emerging graphene technology solutions company with a focus on the development of graphene-based nanomaterial products and applications. The unique Albany Graphite Project provides the company with a competitive advantage in the potential graphene market as independent labs in Japan, UK, Israel, USA and Canada have independently demonstrated that ZEN’s Albany Graphite/Naturally PureTM is an ideal precursor material which easily converts (exfoliates) to graphene, using a variety of mechanical, chemical and electrochemical methods.

For further information:

Dr. Francis Dubé, Chief Executive Officer
Tel: +1 (289) 821-2820
Email: [email protected]

• Received additional encouraging preliminary results from the University of British Columbia-Okanagan (UBC-O) which has used ZEN’s Graphene to enhance the performance of aluminum casting alloys
• These potential applications could lead to patents and significant markets for the Company.
• ZEN will continue to support UBC-O as per the 3 year Memorandum of Understanding signed in June

Thunder Bay, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – October 1, 2019) – ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd. (TSXV: ZEN) (“ZEN” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce additional research and development results using a ZEN Graphene additive in a sintered aluminium metal composite and ZEN Graphene in a corrosion-inhibiting coating.

The Company very recently received additional encouraging preliminary results from the University of British Columbia-Okanagan (UBC-O) which has used ZEN’s Graphene to enhance the performance of aluminum casting alloys. UBC-O has mixed small volumes of Graphene with an aluminum powder which was then sintered in Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) equipment. Preliminary results indicate that the Graphene resulted in a significant increase in the electrical conductivity of the material with a relatively small Graphene loading. Dr. Bichler commented: “Aluminum with increased conductivity would have vast industrial applications.” Test work will continue to optimize the Graphene loading to optimize the electrical conductivity of the aluminum along with improvements in the thermal and mechanical properties.

Additionally, UBC-O reported encouraging preliminary results on the use of ZEN’s Graphene in an epoxy corrosion-inhibiting coating for steel. UBC-O tested four samples of steel: one uncoated, one coated with epoxy only, one coated with an epoxy-graphite mixture, and one with an epoxy-Graphene mixture. The four samples were then exposed to a corrosive, highly saline solution for 10 days after which the level of surface of corrosion was examined and quantified. The following preliminary observations were reported by UBC-O:

• Uncoated steel – 100% of surface corroded
• Epoxy-coated steel – 67% of surface corroded
• Epoxy-graphite mix coated surface – 93% of surface corroded
• Epoxy-Graphene mix coated surface – only 3% of surface corroded

These promising anti-corrosion results from the Epoxy-Graphene mix coated surface will be followed up by additional test work to optimize the Graphene loading in the epoxy resin to potentially develop an anti-corrosion coating application.

Dr. Francis Dubé commented: “We continue to be impressed with the creative research and development work being accomplished at UBC-O. These potential applications could lead to patents and significant markets for the Company. ZEN will continue to support UBC-O as per our 3 year Memorandum of Understanding signed in June of this year.”

About ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd.

ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd. is an emerging graphene technology company with a focus on development of the unique Albany Graphite Project. This precursor graphene material provides the company with a competitive advantage in the potential graphene market as independent labs in Japan, UK, Israel, USA and Canada have demonstrated that ZEN’s Albany Graphite easily converts (exfoliates) to graphene, using a variety of simple mechanical and chemical methods.

For further information:

Francis Dubé, Chief Executive Officer
Tel: +1 (289) 821-2820
Email: [email protected]

To find out more on ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd., please visit our website at www.ZENGraphene.com. A copy of this news release and all material documents in respect of the Company may be obtained on ZEN’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.ca.

SPONSOR: ZEN Graphene Solutions: An emerging advanced materials and graphene development company with a focus on new solutions using pure graphene and other two-dimensional materials. Our competitive advantage relies on the unique qualities of our multi-decade supply of precursor materials in the Albany Graphite Deposit. Independent labs in Japan, UK, Israel, USA and Canada confirm this. Click here for more information

Understanding the properties and dimensions of graphene is important for understanding novel ways in which the extremely thin, potentially world-changing material can be used.

A ‘wonder material’

Graphene has the highest known thermal and electrical conductivity of any material and is tougher than steel while still being light, flexible, and transparent. No wonder it is often called a ‘wonder material.’

The material has a wide range of potentially world-changing uses. These include being used as a filter for seawater, a barrier against mosquito nets, and a comfortable solution to electrodes in prosthetic devices.

Comparing graphene and graphite

In a new study, published in the journal Physical Review Letters, researchers asked two key questions: what is the true thickness of graphene, and to what extent is the material graphite?

To the surprise of the scientists, they found that 2D graphene, which is a flat single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb structure, has several similarities to the 3D graphite.

Graphene and graphite share a similar resistance to compression. The thickness of graphene, meanwhile, was extrapolated by comparing it to graphite. 

If the thickness of a block of graphite 100 layers thick is measured, that means that the thickness of a single graphene layer is equivalent to the thickness of the graphene block divided by 100.

So, based on their calculations, the thickness of graphene is 0.34 nm, the researchers say.

2D or not 2D, that is the question

Dr. Yiwei Sun, the lead author of the study from Queen Mary University of London, said: “Graphene owes its thickness to an array of chemical bonds sticking out above and below the 2D plane of carbon atoms. Hence graphene is really a 3D material, albeit with a very small thickness.

“By applying conventional 3D theory, which has been used for around 400 years, to 2D materials such as graphene, which have been known for 15 years, we show that similar arguments apply to other so-called 2D materials, such as boron nitride and molybdenum disulphide. In that sense, 2D materials are actually all 3D.”

Graphene was discovered in 2004 by peeling off graphene flakes from graphite using sticky tape. It is known by many as ‘the world’s first two-dimensional material’, due to the fact that it is extremely thin and is made of a sheet of atoms.

Source: https://interestingengineering.com/graphene-can-also-be-viewed-as-a-3d-material-new-study-claims

Thunder Bay, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – September 16, 2019) – ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd. (TSXV: ZEN) (“ZEN” or the “Company“)  is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with Chemisar Laboratories Inc. (“Chemisar”) to provide various consulting services which will include the use of 2,300 square feet of office and laboratory space in Guelph, Ontario commencing on October 1, 2019. This office will become the company’s new graphene research and development centre which will include a small-scale graphene processing and production facility. Additional space is available in the building which will allow ZEN to grow as needed.

The new office and lab spaces are situated 66 km from Toronto Pearson International Airport and is centrally located to Toronto, Hamilton, Waterloo, London and multiple university partners. The office space is part of a larger 5,500 square foot well-equipped stand-alone technology centre which is situated on 1.15 acres. ZEN has access to a 2,000 square foot wet laboratory which has fume hoods, laboratory equipment and a large inventory of specialized glassware as well as other laboratory consumables plus a large inventory of chemical reagents. In the coming months, ZEN is aiming to setup small-scale graphite purification and graphene-related production facilities including Graphene Quantum Dots (GQD’s) and Graphene Oxide (GO). These products will be available for research and development, application development and for commercial use.

Dr. Francis Dubé commented: “This facility represents the next phase of development and scale up of our company. We now have the ability to actively collaborate with our research partners as we move toward commercial scale production. This will also allow ZEN to offer the highest value products for sale such as GQDs and GO as granted by the Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines bulk sample permit.”

About Chemisar Laboratories Inc.

Chemisar and its related companies, Guelph Chemical Laboratories and Maxima Laboratories were founded by Dr. Raj N. Pandey. The main areas of research were in the Energy and Environmental fields while offering analytical laboratory services to both private enterprises and government agencies since 1978. The companies have been granted 30 various patents from their research. They also have significant experience with NRCAN, NRC, International Trade, the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy along with the Government and various businesses in India.

About ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd.

ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd. is an emerging graphene technology company with a focus on development of the unique Albany Graphite Project. This precursor graphene material provides the company with a competitive advantage in the potential graphene market as independent labs in Japan, UK, Israel, USA and Canada have demonstrated that ZEN’s Albany Graphite/Naturally PureTM easily converts (exfoliates) to graphene, using a variety of simple mechanical and chemical methods.

For further information:

Francis Dubé, Chief Executive Officer
Tel: +1 (289) 821-2820
Email: [email protected]

To find out more on ZEN Graphene Solutions Ltd., please visit our website at www.ZENGraphene.com. A copy of this news release and all material documents in respect of the Company may be obtained on ZEN’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.ca.