Low-cost, longer-life graphene light bulb
University of Manchester researchers have developed a graphene light bulb with lower energy emissions, longer lifetime and lower manufacturing costs.
The UK-registered Graphene Lighting PLC will product the light bulb. The company is a spinout based on a strategic partnership with the National Graphene Institute (NGI) at The University of Manchester to create graphene applications.
The University of Manchester has a stake in Graphene Lighting PLC to ensure that the university benefits from commercial applications coming out of the NGI.
The graphene light bulb is claimed to be the first commercial application of graphene to emerge from the UK, and is the first application from the recently opened £61m (AU$119m) NGI.
Graphene was isolated at The University of Manchester in 2004 by Sir Andre Geim and Sir Kostya Novoselov, earning them the Nobel prize for Physics in 2010.
“This light bulb shows that graphene products are becoming a reality, just a little more than a decade after it was first isolated - a very short time in scientific terms,” said Professor Colin Bailey, Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester.
“This is just the start. Our partners are looking at a range of exciting applications, all of which started right here in Manchester. It is very exciting that the NGI has launched its first product despite barely opening its doors yet.”
James Baker, graphene business director, added: “The graphene light bulb is proof of how partnering with the NGI can deliver real-life products which could be used by millions of people.”
The NGI will see academic and commercial partners working side by side on graphene applications of the future. It is funded by £38m (AU$74.12m) from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and £23m (AU$44.86m) from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
There are currently more than 35 companies collaborating with the NGI. In 2017, the university will open the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), which will accelerate the process of bringing products to market.
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