Large Format Reduction of Graphite Oxide

This project seeks to develop an optical method to reduce graphite oxide into graphene efficiently and in larger formats than currently available. Current reduction methods are expensive, time-consuming or restricted to small, limited formats. Graphene has potential uses in ultracapacitors, energy storage, solar cells, flexible and light-weight circuits, touch screens, and chemical sensors. In addition, graphite oxide is a sustainable material that can be produced from any form of carbon, making this method environmentally friendly and adaptable for in-situ reduction. We plan to expand the existing collimated laser beam used in the reduction of graphite oxide into graphene to cover an area of 30 cm x 30 cm. The laser power output and scan rate will be experimentally modified to determine the optimum values for the even reduction of the graphite oxide film. Samples will the examined with XPS and Raman spectroscopy to determine the level of graphene production and its homogeneity.

High energy density devices produced with this technology will benefit all future funded NASA exploration missions. Graphene-based supercapacitors made possible with this technology will benefit NASA planetary exploration missions, NASA human exploration missions, NASA aeronautics. Graphene-based supercapacitors with high energy densities and power densities made possible with this technology will benefit the commercial space industry. Graphene-based supercapacitors with high energy densities and power densities made possible with this technology will benefit other agencies.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.