Graphene light bulb to brighten up the future

Just over a decade since graphene was first isolated by researchers at The University of Manchester, spin-out company Graphene Lighting PLC plans to produce a light bulb made of the revolutionary material.

Graphene Lighting PLC is based on a strategic partnership with the National Graphene Institute (NGI) at The University of Manchester to create graphene applications. Officially opened last month, the £61m NGI will see academic and commercial partners working side by side on graphene applications of the future - with the light bulb to be the first of these.

The graphene light bulb is expected to have lower energy emissions, a longer lifetime and lower manufacturing costs than LED bulbs. Furthermore, the light bulb could be on the shelves in a matter of months.

“This is just the start,” said University of Manchester Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Bailey. “Our partners are looking at a range of exciting applications, all of which started right here in Manchester. It is very exciting that the NGI has launched its first product despite barely opening its doors yet.”

There are currently more than 35 companies collaborating with the NGI. In 2017 the university will open its Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), which will accelerate the process of bringing products to market.

“The graphene light bulb is proof of how partnering with the NGI can deliver real-life products which could be used by millions of people,” said Graphene Business Director James Baker.

“This shows how The University of Manchester is leading the way not only in world-class graphene research but in commercialisation as well.”

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