Ningbo becomes leader in graphene innovation

Ningbo, Zhejiang province, has emerged as a leading player in the graphene industry, securing over 300 authorized patents in just two years, marking a significant milestone in the commercialization and development of graphene applications.

In a seedling greenhouse of Beijing Xinfu Agricultural Technology Development Co Ltd, Wu Zhenqi, the project leader of the graphene electrothermal film at the National Graphene Innovation Center, recently demonstrated the newly installed graphene electrothermal film to Gao Jie, head of the company. To Gao's surprise, the film heated the soil from the bottom up, achieving precise temperature control. This led to a cooperation agreement and marked the first application of Ningbo-produced graphene electrothermal films in winter seedling cultivation in northern China.

Since its initial layout in the graphene industry in 2008, Ningbo has been developing rapidly, securing several national firsts. In late 2022, the city's graphene innovation center was upgraded from provincial to national level, accelerating the rollout of new graphene applications and achievements. Over the past two years, the center has formed over 30 research teams, incubated more than 20 graphene enterprises, and obtained over 300 patents.

Graphene's ultra-high thermal conductivity, about three times higher than that of copper, holds promise for solving chip cooling challenges. Ningbo-based teams have developed high-performance graphene thermal conductivity films and aerogels, which are applied in consumer electronics, aerospace, and new energy batteries. Additionally, graphene-modified fabrics offer enhanced functions like bacteria inhibition and improved metabolism.

The second China International Graphene Innovation Conference recently held in Ningbo underscores the city's growing prominence in the graphene industry. Looking ahead, Ningbo aims to leverage the national graphene innovation center to attract projects and talents, establishing itself as an innovative hub for the graphene industry.