Many scientists will tell you that we are entering a new chapter of human innovation defined by nanotechnology, where manipulating matter at the atomic scale opens doors to products and solutions once thought impossible. One of the companies at the forefront of this revolution is HydroGraph Clean Power, Inc., led by Board Chair, President, and CEO Kjirstin Breure. HydroGraph is pioneering a patented detonation process to bring ultra-pure, pristine graphene – a single-atom-thick form of carbon known for its strength, conductivity, and versatility – out of the lab and into dozens of different industries. Here, she discusses the lessons of scaling a breakthrough technology and how she sees nanotechnology shaping the future.
What first drew you to the field of materials science and, eventually, to graphene?
KJIRSTIN BREURE: I’ve always been fascinated by how the materials we use define the eras we live in. While studying materials science and engineering, I was drawn to the idea that we could manipulate matter at the atomic level to create entirely new properties. When I learned about pristine graphene, it felt like a natural next frontier. Joining HydroGraph gave me the opportunity to help turn that scientific potential into something tangible and impactful.
HydroGraph is known for its patented detonation process. How does that set you apart from other approaches to making graphene?
KJIRSTIN BREURE: Many production methods struggle to scale or to maintain graphene’s structural integrity. Our detonation approach uses a controlled chemical reaction to create pristine graphene quickly and without the need for metal catalysts or harsh chemicals. The result is ultra-pure material with properties very close to the theoretical ideal. For industries that depend on consistency and high performance, like electronics or energy storage, that purity makes all the difference.
Commercializing an emerging technology can be a long road. What challenges have you faced in bringing pristine graphene to market?
KJIRSTIN BREURE: Scaling any lab-based process requires patience and flexibility. Early on, we had to translate a scientific breakthrough into an industrial system while keeping costs and environmental impact in check. Recruiting the right team and building trust with potential partners were just as critical as the technical work. It’s an ongoing process, but the experience has reinforced the value of steady, evidence-based growth rather than chasing quick wins.
Sustainability is a major theme in advanced manufacturing today. How does HydroGraph approach that responsibility?
KJIRSTIN BREURE: From the start, we wanted our process to be clean and energy-efficient. The detonation method is exothermic, meaning it generates its own energy, and it avoids the use of heavy metals or toxic reagents. Beyond production, we think about where pristine graphene can enable greener technologies, like lighter, stronger composites that reduce fuel use, or energy-dense batteries for renewable grids. The goal is to ensure that innovation and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
Looking ahead, where do you see graphene and other nanomaterials having the biggest impact in the next decade?
KJIRSTIN BREURE: I expect to see graphene integrated into everyday products in ways most people won’t notice at first—stronger yet lighter structures in transportation, improved batteries and supercapacitors, and flexible electronics that change how we use devices. We’re also watching exciting developments in filtration, sensors, and biomedical applications. What excites me is not just one headline use case but the broad shift toward materials designed at the atomic level. I think we’ll look back and see this period as the start of the “age of nanotechnology,” with graphene as one of its key building blocks.
