Graphene speakers could improve sound quality and battery life

Based out of Montreal, Ora Sound has created a proprietary nanocomposite formulation called GrapheneQ, consisting of over 95 per cent graphene in combination with oxygen and other additives. According to the company, diaphragms made from GrapheneQ are compatible with existing speaker technology, and deliver better frequency response and reduced distortion compared to other materials.

“Our production method will fit existing audio manufacturing processes,” Ora co-founder Ari Pinkas told The Engineer. “Also, our method allows us to manufacture at scale.”

“Cost-wise, Ora’s technology will be a fraction of the price of materials being used today in high-end audio products - beryllium, CVD diamond, etc - while reaching the same sound quality levels. Compared to low-end materials (mylar/paper), Ora’s technology will only be slightly more expensive.”

“It’s also unproblematic when it comes to moulding it into different shapes such as speaker cones and domes.”

Alongside improved sound fidelity, Ora claims speakers made using its lightweight graphene composite could improve battery life by around 50 per cent. With wireless speakers and headphones making up a growing share of the audio market, battery performance is becoming increasingly important, and Ora says it is in talks with some of the biggest OEMs in the audio industry.