Coal-derived graphene oxide produced in a single-pot process
This technology offers a simpler, cheaper way to make graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide — two commercially valuable nanomaterials — starting from coal rather than purified graphite. The process uses a single reaction vessel and a mild acid like nitric acid at elevated temperature, skipping the harsh multi-step chemistry of the standard Hummers method that dominates current production. The resulting graphene oxide is separated from leftover coal particles through basic mechanical steps like centrifugation or filtration. Because coal is abundant and inexpensive, this approach could meaningfully lower the input costs for graphene-based materials used in composites, coatings, batteries, and electronics.
What you could build
A lower-cost graphene oxide powder or dispersion produced at scale for sale to manufacturers of battery electrodes, conductive coatings, polymer composites, or filtration membranes; the primary buyers would be materials distributors and industrial manufacturers currently sourcing graphene oxide from established suppliers like Graphenea or Nanoinnova.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based defense contractors, naval systems suppliers, or energy storage companies sourcing advanced materials for coatings and structural composites could be natural early customers or partners.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Roop L. MAHAJAN, Seul-Yi LEE
- Granted
- April 8, 2025
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 12269744
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.