Partnership set to produce graphene-based polymers for the hydrogen sector

The collaboration brings together Levidian’s LOOP plasma technology, which converts pre-combustion methane into hydrogen and carbon, with Graphmatech’s proprietary graphene integration and dispersion technology for the production of novel materials including advanced composite materials.

The carbon produced by Levidian’s LOOP system will be used to manufacture high-quality graphene. Graphmatech will then incorporate this sustainably sourced graphene into applications such as graphene-enhanced polymer liners for hydrogen pressure vessels

"We don’t see graphene producers as competitors—we see them as suppliers," said Dr Mamoun Taher, CEO of Graphmatech. "Our differentiation lies in how we process graphene. Many companies fail to disperse it properly, and as a result, it behaves more like graphite or carbon black. We overcome that challenge with a proprietary technology that maintains graphene’s unique properties."

Graphmatech’s Aros Graphene technology addresses a long-standing challenge in the industry, namely the tendency of graphene flakes to agglomerate (clump) together. This agglomeration reduces the material’s conductivity and strength depending on the application, forcing manufacturers to use large volumes to achieve the desired effect.

Graphmatech’s patented dispersion method ensures an even distribution of graphene into materials including metals and polymers. This enhances these materials with graphene's properties, such as strength and conductivity. 

This approach enables performance gains with minimal cost impact. In hydrogen storage, Aros Graphene’s two-dimensional structure creates a more effective gas barrier than carbon nanotubes, reducing hydrogen leakage by up to 83 per cent. Despite the added performance, graphene-enhanced liners make up less than 15 per cent of the total tank cost.

"We’re not just making materials stronger or lighter," said Taher. "We’re making them multifunctional - enhancing barrier performance, improving durability, and maintaining cost-effectiveness. That’s what sets us apart."

Graphmatech has scaled production of its graphene-enhanced materials from laboratory-scale volumes to 5–10 tons per year, with plans to expand capacity to meet increasing industrial demand.

For this latest partnership, product development will be carried out in the UK and Sweden with scope for growth in the Middle East with both companies having established a presence in Abu Dhabi. Levidian is also working to identify the location for a new production and delivery centre in the region.