Versarien (VRS ), a developer and manufacturer of advanced materials, has announced the launch of a new graphene-based hybrid nanomaterial with superparamagnetic properties. There are multiple applications for the new material, including defence, healthcare, and wastewater treatment.
Versarien's 62%-owned subsidiary Gnanomat S.L. spearheaded development of the product. Gnanomat has pioneered a new family of versatile nanocomposites based on graphene and other forms of carbon, combined with metal or metal oxide nanoparticles, typically intended for energy storage applications.
The new superparamagnetic material is both magnetic and electrically conductive. It combines graphene with both iron oxide and manganese oxide nanoparticles. The metal oxides provide it with magnetic properties. In return, graphene provides electrical conductivity to the otherwise insulating metal oxides. Magnetic nanocomposites respond to external magnetic fields, which allow them to be manipulated.
Possible applications for the new material include wastewater treatment, whereby the graphene surface can absorb pollutants, as well as biomedical/biotech and defence where there is a need for shielding of electromagnetic fields. Magnetically manipulating the material can also allow for the recovery and recycling of the graphene, not possible with regular graphene compounds.
Demand for graphene is set to continue growing in the coming years and should drive further growth of Versarien's revenues from the material. In a FY21 update last month, Versarien reported revenues were up 34% to £7.63m YoY. Graphene revenues were up 170% to £1.89m, and the company had cash of £3.10m, up from £2.36m.
In a podcast with Vox's Justin Waite last month, Versarien CEO Neill Ricketts discussed FY21 results and more. Click here to listen to that conversation.
Regarding today's news, CTO Steve Hodge commented: "The potential for this material is hugely promising. Versarien is branching out into the next generation of nanomaterials, providing innovation to industries across the globe. The technical properties the superparamagnetic material offers are exciting and show that there is so much more potential for us to find innovative applications for other nanomaterials."
Roberto Clemente, CEO of Gnanomat, commented: "We believe this is the beginning of the next wave of nanomaterials. Using graphene combined with metal oxides, there are countless opportunities to change the way we view a number of industries. This superparamagnetic material is just the first step in an extensive line of innovation to come."
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