Focus Graphite Announces R&D Agreement Between Grafoid Inc. and Hydro-Quebec's IREQ for Next Generation LFP-Graphene Batteries
November 26 2012 - 4:50PM
Marketwired
Focus Graphite Inc (TSX VENTURE:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF)(FRANKFURT:FKC) is
pleased to announce that Grafoid Inc. - in which Focus Graphite
holds a 40% ownership stake - has executed a three-year research
and development agreement with Hydro-Quebec's Research Institute
for the development of next generation rechargeable batteries using
graphene with lithium iron phosphate materials.
Focus Graphite President and CEO Gary Economo, who holds the
same position with Grafoid, announced the signing of the joint
R&D agreement with Dr. Karim Zaghib, Director Storage and
Conversion of Energy at Hydro-Quebec's research and development
division, l'Institut de recherche d'Hydro-Quebec (IREQ).
The 50-50 collaborative agreement sets out terms with the
objective of creating patentable inventions by combining graphene,
supplied by Grafoid, with Hydro-Quebec's patented lithium iron
phosphate technologies.
Two key, specific commercial target markets - the rechargeable
automobile battery sectors and batteries for mobile electronic
devices used in smartphones, computing tablets and laptop computers
- were identified in the agreement.
Hydro-Quebec will study Grafoid's graphene conductivity,
electrochemical performance and its effects in electrode
formulations, electrolyte and separator optimizations. Detailed
characterizations of Grafoid's supplied materials will be
undertaken at IREQ's cutting edge facilities using its advanced
electron microscopy, spectrographic and other in-house
technologies.
Hydro-Quebec will also supply lithium iron phosphate materials
and its electrochemistry know how which it acquired under license
from famed American inventor Dr. John Goodenough.
Grafoid, in addition to providing graphene materials, brings
knowledge acquired during its own development of functionalized
graphene and its experience in proving graphene's economic
scalability.
"This agreement is noteworthy for numerous reasons," said Mr.
Economo.
"This is our first major graphene collaboration with a Quebec
and a Canadian global giant in renewable energy research and
development. And the source of our graphene is Focus Graphite's Lac
Knife, Quebec technology graphite deposit.
"Commercially, and ultimately, our technology development
partnership with Hydro-Quebec aims to produce high capacity,
LFP-graphene batteries with ultra short charging times and longer
recyclable lifetimes," Mr. Economo said.
He said the parties chose to focus their collaboration on
LFP-graphene batteries and materials because of their
short-term-to-market potential.
About Focus Graphite
Focus Graphite Inc. is an emerging mid-tier junior mining
development company, a technology solutions supplier and a business
innovator. Focus is the owner of the Lac Knife graphite deposit
located in the Cote-Nord region of northeastern Quebec. The Lac
Knife project hosts a NI 43-101 compliant Measured and Indicated
mineral resource of 4.972 Mt grading 15.7% carbon as crystalline
graphite with an additional Inferred mineral resource of 3.000 Mt
grading 15.6% crystalline graphite Focus' goal is to assume an
industry leadership position by becoming a low-cost producer of
technology-grade graphite. On October 29th, 2012 the Company
released the results of a Preliminary Economic Analysis ("PEA") of
the Lac Knife project which demonstrates that the project has
robust economics and excellent potential to become a profitable
producer of graphite. As a technology-oriented enterprise with a
view to building long-term, sustainable shareholder value, Focus
Graphite is also investing in the development of graphene
applications and patents through Grafoid Inc.
About Grafoid Inc.
Grafoid, Inc. is a privately held Canadian corporation investing
in graphene applications and economically scalable production
processes for graphene and graphene derivatives from raw,
unprocessed, graphite ore. Focus Graphite Inc., (TSX
VENTURE:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF)(FRANKFURT:FKC) holds a 40% interest in
Grafoid Inc.
About IREQ
Hydro-Quebec's research institute, IREQ, is a global leader in
the development of advanced materials for battery manufacturing and
creates leading edge processes from its state of the art
facilities. IREQ holds more than 100 patent rights and has issued
over 40 licenses for battery materials to some of the world's most
successful battery manufacturers and materials suppliers. Its areas
of expertise include energy storage and IREQ is a lead partner with
private sector companies in Quebec to build EV and HEV charging
stations in support of its technology developments. Its material
development contributions are helping to develop safe,
high-performance lithium ion batteries that can be charged more
quickly and a greater number of times. IREQ promotes open
innovation and partners with private firms, universities,
government agencies and research centers in Quebec and abroad. Its
partnerships allow IREQ to develop, industrialize and market
technologies resulting from those innovation projects.
About Hydro-Quebec
Hydro-Quebec is Canada's largest electricity producer among the
world's largest hydroelectric power producers and a public utility
that generates, transmits and distributes electricity. Its sole
shareholder is the Quebec government. It primarily exploits
renewable generating options, in particular hydropower, and
supports the development of wind energy through purchases from
independent power producers. Its research institute, IREQ, conducts
R&D in energy efficiency, energy storage and other
energy-related fields. Hydro-Quebec invests more than $100 million
per year in research.
Contacts: Focus Graphite Inc. Mr. Gary Economo President and CEO
613-691-1091 ext. 101geconomo@focusgraphite.com