2D Nano plans concrete revolution with 2D materials

A new spinout from Imperial College London aims to improve the sustainability of concrete production using advanced 2D materials like graphene. The company, 2D Nano, is developing technology to produce these materials on a large scale, with potential applications in concrete, coatings, and energy storage.

Founded by researchers from Imperial College’s departments of chemical engineering and mechanical engineering, 2D Nano is led by Dr Andrius Patapas. The company has secured £2 million in funding from private investors to scale up its production to several tonnes of 2D materials annually, with plans to expand into global markets, including Europe, the US, and the Middle East.

Explaining the significance of these materials, Dr Patapas said “Graphene can improve the properties of concrete by up to 30%, making it stronger and more durable while reducing material use.” This improvement could also help lower carbon emissions, aligning with global sustainability targets.

Impact on Concrete

The addition of graphene to concrete can enhance key properties such as compressive strength, flexibility, and durability. These enhancements mean less material is required for construction, reducing overall CO₂ emissions associated with cement production and material transport. 2D Nano estimates that graphene-enhanced products could eventually reach production volumes of over 100,000 tonnes per year.

The company’s production process addresses challenges in the 2D material sector, such as batch consistency, customisation, and sustainable manufacturing. Its modular production technology is designed for scalability and easy integration into existing industrial processes, including concrete manufacturing.

Regional and Industry Context

The spinout’s current operations are based in the UK, but it plans to extend its reach to Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Early applications of its materials are being targeted at industries with significant sustainability challenges, such as construction and energy storage.

Professor Omar Matar, head of the department of chemical engineering at Imperial College, said, “2D Nano combines scientific expertise with engineering innovation to produce the materials of tomorrow at a scale that industry demands.”

Background on 2D Nano

2D Nano emerged from Imperial College’s ChemEng Enterprise programme, which supports researchers in bringing their innovations to market. The programme includes funding, mentoring, and collaboration opportunities with industry partners. Professor Sandro Macchietto, director of enterprise at Imperial College, noted, “This is a great example of how research can be spun out quickly and effectively with the right support.”

With plans to increase production capacity to hundreds of tonnes per year, 2D Nano aims to make graphene-enhanced concrete widely accessible, driving sustainability and performance improvements across the construction industry.