Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), the industry-led organisation behind Canada's Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster, has announced over $4.5 million in collaborative investment to scale up commercial applications of graphene nanofilms in HVAC systems for cleanrooms and other critical environment systems.
Graphene membranes have the potential to radically transform facets of everyday life from energy storage to drug delivery and water purification. To date, however, these membranes have not been a commercial success due to a lack of cost-effective and scalable approaches for manufacturing the nano-scale films quickly, continuously, and over large areas.
Following the development of a breakthrough manufacturing process for ultra-thin membranes using nanomaterials, Evercloak will collaborate with Environmental Systems Corporation (ESC) of Barrie, ON, to integrate these membranes into the manufacture of critical environment systems and cleanrooms with stringent requirements for precision temperature, humidity control, air quality and pressure.
These membranes have the potential to cut air-conditioner energy use by more than 50%
"Graphene-based membranes are one of the world's thinnest and efficient membranes promising to revolutionise water purification and many other applications," said Evelyn Allen, CEO and co-founder of Evercloak. "Yet, the commercial potential of these membranes has not been realised due to a lack of scalable manufacturing approaches. Evercloak's proprietary membrane manufacturing technology enables large area production of these materials at a fraction of the cost - unlocking a range of breakthrough opportunities."
With peak electricity load and sustainability as major concerns for advanced manufacturers that require cleanrooms, Evercloak's energy-saving membranes represent a compelling value-added solution for a rapidly growing market segment of net-zero facilities and beyond, with the potential to cut air-conditioner energy use by more than 50%. For ESC, incorporating these membranes into their specialised critical environment HVAC systems gives them a competitive advantage and a clear path to building cleanrooms with a net zero footprint.
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, said: "Through this project, Evercloak is poised to become the first company in the world to produce commercially sized graphene oxide membranes, furthering Canada's reputation as a leader in sustainable manufacturing."
Jayson Myers, CEO of NGen, added: "By supporting commercial applications of Evercloak's cutting-edge technology, Canada will gain a first-to-market advantage leading to technology deployment opportunities across a number of industries."
