HydroGraph urges US to classify graphene as a critical material

HydroGraph Clean Power has called on US policymakers to designate graphene as a critical material, emphasizing the importance of domestic production to mitigate reliance on foreign-controlled graphite supplies. The company highlights that most graphene is derived from graphite, with about 80% of the global supply sourced from China. This supply is subject to potential export licensing restrictions by November 2026. HydroGraph's process, however, uses US-sourced hydrocarbon gases to produce graphene, avoiding dependency on mined graphite.

Dr. Robert Yancey, Vice President of Business Development - Government and Defense at HydroGraph, stated that China's suspension of export licensing is temporary and could be reinstated with short notice. He argues that domestic graphene production, utilizing hydrocarbon gas as feedstock, eliminates upstream exposure to Chinese graphite.

HydroGraph reports that its graphene enhances strength, thermal and electrical conductivity, lubrication, and protection in various applications, including aerospace, electromagnetic shielding, and thermal management. The company claims its nano-scale fractal graphene disperses more effectively than larger-flake graphene, achieving benefits at loadings below 0.1%.

The company urges three actions: designating graphene as a critical material under the Defense Production Act, funding qualification pilot programs for defense applications, and establishing a national graphene innovation and research institute. HydroGraph points out that other regions, such as the UK, EU, South Korea, and China, have national graphene programs, while the US lacks a coordinated initiative.

Kjirstin Breure, Chair, President and CEO of HydroGraph, noted that the US has the research infrastructure but lacks policy support. She emphasized that while other nations treat graphene as a strategic material, the US still has an opportunity to lead in domestic graphene production, though this advantage diminishes over time.

This stance reflects HydroGraph's position rather than an official policy change, as no government commitment or designation has been announced. The company's graphite-free production aligns with its supply chain concerns, a broader issue affecting the graphene industry.