First Graphene Secures Patents to Scale Critical Minerals and Hydrogen Production

• Patents granted in Australia and South Korea for Kainos Technology
• Technology converts petroleum waste into battery-grade graphite, graphene, and hydrogen
• Collaborative UK research project advancing commercial scale-up
• Graphite recognised globally as a critical mineral boosting demand
• Hydrogen by-product supports expanding clean energy markets

Patents Cement Kainos Technology’s Global Footprint

First Graphene Limited (ASX:FGR) has achieved a significant intellectual property milestone with the granting of two new patents for its innovative Kainos Technology in Australia and the Republic of Korea. These patents not only affirm First Graphene’s ownership and innovation leadership but also underscore the strategic importance governments place on graphite, a mineral now globally recognised as critical for the energy transition.

The patented Kainos Technology employs acoustic and hydrodynamic cavitation to transform petroleum waste streams into high-quality synthetic graphite and graphene, alongside clean hydrogen as a valuable by-product. This process addresses two pressing global challenges: waste valorisation and the supply of essential materials for emerging clean technologies.

Aligning with Global Energy Transition Demands

Graphite and graphene are indispensable components in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, a sector forecasted to grow sixfold with annual sales reaching approximately 28 million vehicles by 2030. Meanwhile, hydrogen is gaining traction as a zero-emission energy carrier, with global trade expected to generate over A$440 billion in export revenues by 2050.

First Graphene’s ability to produce battery-grade materials from petroleum waste offers a compelling circular economy solution, potentially easing supply constraints and reducing environmental impact. The hydrogen by-product further enhances the technology’s appeal amid accelerating demand for renewable energy alternatives.

Advancing Commercialisation Through Collaborative Research

The company is also progressing a grant-funded research initiative with Swansea University in the UK, backed by nearly A$200,000 from Innovate UK. This six-month project focuses on scaling up production processes for synthetic graphite and pristine graphene using the patented Kainos Technology. Scheduled to conclude in February, the research outcomes could unlock further funding and expedite commercial deployment.

First Graphene’s Managing Director and CEO, Michael Bell, emphasised the transformative potential of the technology: "Our Kainos Technology has the potential to assist the oil and gas sector by leveraging petroleum waste to produce in-demand synthetic graphite and graphene required for the booming electric vehicle market. Meanwhile, the creation of hydrogen as a by-product can help shore up supply of an emission-reducing alternative energy source."

Strategic Positioning in a Growing Market

With a robust manufacturing base near Perth and a strong R&D presence in the UK, First Graphene is well positioned to capitalise on the surging demand for advanced materials that support decarbonisation. The company’s PureGRAPH® product range already enjoys global recognition, and the Kainos Technology patents add a new dimension to its portfolio, potentially unlocking new revenue streams and partnerships.

As governments worldwide intensify focus on critical minerals and sustainable energy solutions, First Graphene’s patented process could become a vital link in the supply chain for next-generation batteries and clean hydrogen.

Bottom Line?

First Graphene’s patented Kainos Technology could redefine critical mineral supply chains as research results near completion.

Questions in the middle?

• Will the Swansea University research validate commercial scalability of Kainos Technology?
• How quickly can First Graphene ramp up production to meet growing EV and hydrogen demand?
• What partnerships or off-take agreements might emerge following patent recognition?