Life cycle assessment of graphene and related materials | Graphene Flagship

Graphene Production Methods and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Reviewing different production methods

1. The different production methods for graphene related materials (GRMs) can vary depending on your choice of reactants, solvents, and processing parameters.
2. Even small adjustments in the manufacturing process can decrease the environmental footprint of GRMs.
3. Researchers from Graphene Flagship Partner University of Manchester, UK, and colleagues from the University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy, found that:
• The environmental impact of chemical oxidation/reduction and exfoliation techniques can be significantly improved through higher acid and solvent recovery rates.
• Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods can become more sustainable through higher heat transfer efficiencies and more efficient consumption of precursor gases (ideally derived from renewable feedstock, such as biomass).
• The environmental footprint of GRM growth on silicon benefits from the use of renewable energy sources.
4. The life cycle assessment (LCA) allows us to identify opportunities for improvement along the life cycle of material production processes.
5. Hotspots in the environmental impact of GRM production vary depending on the production route, such as the carbon source, energy requirements, or the choice of solvents and reagents needed.

The ball milling process

1. LCA experts from Graphene Flagship Partner EMPA, Switzerland, measured LCA-relevant data for the ball milling process used to exfoliate graphite into few-layer graphene.
2. They compared 38 lab-scale pathways to producing single and few-layer graphene and graphene oxide.
3. Graphene-based materials can be environmentally beneficial in some applications, but more accurate data on manufacturing steps is needed to identify the most interesting options.

Applying LCA to the first graphene-enabled solar farm

1. The cradle-to-gate LCA and environmental profile of the first solar farm based on perovskite solar panels enabled by graphene and other layered material was evaluated.
2. The environmental footprint of the graphene-enabled solar farm is lower than the present European electricity mix and even better than some of the energy mix scenarios foreseen by the European energy roadmap 2050.

Looking at the future

1. The lack of data on the commercial production of GRMs is a major challenge in conducting representative LCA studies.
2. Most LCA studies on GRMs are from cradle-to-gate rather than cradle-to-grave, excluding the application and end-of-life stages.
3. Future studies should consider the full life cycle of these materials to properly understand their actual benefits.
4. The relatively high environmental impacts of producing a material could be compensated by an extended service life of an enhanced product with such material.

Quotes

Cinzia Casiraghi, University of Manchester, UK:

“It is very important to discuss sustainable development of advanced materials at the early stages of their commercial exploitation.”

Didier Beloin-Saint-Pierre, EMPA:

“Our analysis shows that graphene-based materials can be environmentally beneficial in some applications, but there is a need for more accurate data on manufacturing steps to identify the most interesting options.”

Emmanuel Kymakis, Hellenic Mediterranean University:

“The team demonstrated the commercial potential of this technology in terms of both energy and environmental performance. The environmental footprint is lower than the present European electricity mix, and even better than some of the energy mix scenarios foreseen by the European energy roadmap 2050.”

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the sustainable production of graphene-related materials and their environmental impact. This connects to SDG 7, as it focuses on clean energy sources and technologies. It also relates to SDG 9, which emphasizes sustainable industrialization and innovation. Additionally, the article addresses SDG 12 by highlighting the need for responsible consumption and production practices. The environmental impact of graphene production is relevant to SDG 13, which aims to combat climate change. Finally, the article mentions the importance of improving data associated with graphene production, which aligns with SDG 15’s goal of protecting and restoring ecosystems on land.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
• Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
• Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• Target 15.2: Promote sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation.

The article’s content suggests the following targets under the identified SDGs. Target 7.2 is relevant because it emphasizes the need to increase the share of renewable energy sources, such as biomass, in graphene production. Target 9.4 is applicable as it calls for the upgrade of industrial processes to ensure sustainability, including the production of graphene-related materials. Target 12.2 is connected to the article’s focus on improving the environmental footprint of graphene production by managing resources efficiently. Target 13.2 is relevant because it highlights the integration of climate change measures into production processes, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions in graphene manufacturing. Lastly, target 15.2 is applicable as it emphasizes the need for sustainable forest management, which can be relevant to the sourcing of biomass for graphene production.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Share of renewable energy in graphene production
• Reduction in environmental footprint (e.g., carbon emissions, energy consumption)
• Efficiency of resource use in graphene production
• Inclusion of climate change measures in graphene production strategies
• Impact on forest ecosystems and biodiversity due to biomass sourcing

The article implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The share of renewable energy in graphene production can be measured to track progress towards Target 7.2. Reductions in environmental footprint, such as carbon emissions and energy consumption, can serve as indicators for Target 9.4 and Target 12.2. The inclusion of climate change measures in graphene production strategies can be measured through the adoption of sustainable practices and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with Target 13.2. Lastly, the impact on forest ecosystems and biodiversity due to biomass sourcing can be assessed to monitor progress towards Target 15.2.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: graphene-flagship.eu

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