In February 2024, the global materials science community was stunned by a groundbreaking achievement when the US-China research team successfully synthesised a functional semiconductor from graphene. This milestone promises to revolutionise industries such as electronics, energy storage, and medical devices, with applications that could reshape computing and numerous other technological sectors.
With its remarkable properties — strength, conductivity, and flexibility — graphene has emerged as a game-changer worldwide, offering immense possibilities for innovation. China has strategically positioned itself as a global leader in the graphene market, investing heavily in research, infrastructure, and production. By 2023, China controlled over 70 per cent of global graphene production, contributing significantly to the sector’s rapid growth. As projections show the market reaching $6.25 billion by 2031, China’s leadership is evident through its comprehensive national policies, such as ‘Made in China 2025’, which have fuelled significant advancements in graphene technology.
However, China’s dominance also underscores the importance of securing access to critical resources like graphite. For countries like India, this represents both a challenge and an opportunity, particularly as demand for graphene is growing in industries like electronics, aerospace, and energy.
India’s progress
India is making strides in the field of graphene, with a growing number of institutions and companies tapping into its potential. At the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering at IISc Bangalore, researchers have developed a chemical vapour deposition system that produces various 2D materials, including graphene. Tata Steel has also taken significant steps by growing graphene from steel surfaces and exploring its potential for plastic recycling.
Additionally, IIT Roorkee-incubated Log 9 has patented graphene-based ultracapacitors, demonstrating its promise in energy storage applications. Other innovative companies like Tirupati Graphite and Nanomatrix Materials are driving growth in graphene production and antiviral applications. Digital University Kerala, in partnership with Tata Steel and C-MET, has established the India Innovation Centre for Graphene, further contributing to research and innovation in this field.
These efforts highlight India’s growing presence in sectors such as automotive, electronics, construction, and defence, despite ongoing challenges like limited R&D funding and fragmented infrastructure.
Growth potential
The Indian graphene market is thriving and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.1 per cent between 2017 and 2027. This growth is driven by the expanding demand for graphene across various industries, particularly electronics, which holds the largest market share. The government’s initiatives, such as Make in India and Production Linked Incentives, have helped boost the electronics sector, creating a solid foundation for graphene’s application.
However, while progress has been notable, patent filings related to graphene in India are still limited, with the majority of applications coming from foreign companies such as Lockheed, BASF, and PPG Industries, along with few domestic institutions like IITM and ARCI.
A significant achievement has been the granting of a patent to PCBL for its innovation in graphene-based rubber compounds, showing India’s potential for innovation in this field (Patent No IN544320).
Despite these advancements, India’s production remains a fraction of global leaders like China and Brazil. Market fragmentation, lack of industrial scalability, and skilled workforce are challenges India must overcome if it is to compete effectively on the global stage. Moreover, the high cost-to-volume ratio of producing high-grade graphene poses a formidable challenge, potentially leading to concentration of production in a few global hubs, similar to the semiconductor industry.
The path ahead
India is on the cusp of an exciting opportunity in the global graphene market, but to fully capitalise on its momentum, a strategic approach is needed. Establishing dedicated graphene industrial parks, boosting R&D funding, and fostering international collaborations with leading graphene innovators are key steps. A potential collaboration with the National Graphene Institute at the University of Manchester could further accelerate India’s research capabilities. Additionally, forming national forums and a National Graphene Industry Alliance could also be instrumental in advocating for industry needs and providing incentives for industries to adopt graphene-based solutions.
Workshops and educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the unique benefits of graphene will play a pivotal role in spurring demand.
These initiatives will not only increase the production capacity of the industry but also create a sustainable, growth-oriented ecosystem around graphene. India’s advancements in graphene research and development demonstrate its growing capabilities. With the right policies, collaborations, and investments, India has the potential to emerge as a strong player in the global graphene market, contributing to technological innovation and economic growth.
The future is bright, and India’s proactive involvement in this emerging field will be crucial to shaping the next wave of technological evolution.
The writer is Assistant Director, Centre for Contemporary China Studies, Ministry of External Affairs. Views are personal
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