Archer Exploration Limited (ASX:AXE) has today announced the signing of a Collaboration Agreement and a complementary Research Service Agreement with The University of New South Wales (UNSW) to develop and implement AXE's graphite and graphene materials for use in lithium-ion battery energy storage systems. The aim of the research will be to achieve technological advances through AXE's graphite and graphene materials and the research and development capability of UNSW.
UNSW ranks in the top 3% globally in terms of Engineering and Technology, according to the 2018QS World University Rankings. Importantly, it has world-class facilities for battery materials testing and development at the Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre.
The research potentially generates technologies and patents that have commercial applications in reliable energy. This research fits within AXE's broader vision of developing and integrating advanced materials towards creating reliable energy systems for a greener future. The global lithium-ion battery market is forecast to increase to US$130 billion by 2028 with growth concentrated in the Asia Pacific region. The following expanding market segments all share a growing interest in high-power and long-life lithium batteries:
Transportation and mobility (electric vehicles)The primary focus of the collaboration is on the rational design of high-performance electrodes for lithium-ion batteries using graphite and graphene sourced from AXE's Campoona deposit; this is expected to result in the development of electrodes for lithium-ion batteries and the implementation of these electrodes in a number of advanced application full-cell and half-cell configurations.
The resulting materials developed would be tailored electronically, chemically and structurally for mobile and stationary device applications with specific performance requirements.
Commenting on the new agreements, AXE CEO Mohammad Choucair stated: "Archer now enjoys a unique relationship with UNSW and facilities within the University including those in the Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre. This Centre, unique in its diversity in Australia, comprises AUD$100 million of state-of-the-art characterisation equipment, managed by over 80 instrument scientists ready to engage and drive research projects within Archer.
"The Centre has a broad range of capabilities that fulfil our aims to participate in the integration of advanced materials in battery technologies that will provide future opportunities and new markets to underpin the development of Archer's substantial graphite resources."
It should be noted that AXE is an early stage play and anything can happen, so seek professional financial advice if considering this stock for your portfolio.
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