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Carbonova Secures Patent for Process in Canada and Japan

mina zarabian

Updated: Jan 17

Carbonova’s patent, titled "Apparatus and Method for Producing Carbon Nanofibers from Light Hydrocarbons", has been granted in Canada and Japan.  

  

Co-invented by Carbonova founders Dr. Mina Zarabian and Dr. Pedro Pereira-Almao, this milestone secures the company’s freedom to operate and strengthens its competitive edge with a novel catalytic technology. With additional patent applications pending in critical jurisdictions, including the US, Europe, South Korea, and Australia, Carbonova is well-positioned for further global expansion.  

 

Transformative Technology  

Originating at the University of Calgary, Carbonova’s transformative process integrates two catalytic processes 

 

  1. Reforming methane and CO₂ into syngas.  

  2. Converting syngas into solid carbon nanofibers.  


Heat integration between the two steps ensures the Carbonova cycle is a thermodynamically, energy-favorable process, enabling a step change in energy efficiency. 

 

Since its founding, Carbonova has raised nearly $13M from private investors and public funding sources such as SDTC, Alberta Innovates, NRC-IRAP, and ERA. These funds have fueled key advancements, including:  


  • Scaling the technology over 100-fold to pilot scale.  

  • Delivering carbon nanofiber samples for joint development agreements and collaborative product development with multinational companies.  

 

Strategic Importance of Asia-Pacific  

 

The granting of Carbonova’s patent in the Asia-Pacific region marks a pivotal moment for the company. Both its material product—carbon nanofibers—and its technology—CO₂ utilization process—offer significant market potential in the region.  

Carbon Nanofibers (CNFs) are strands of carbon with diameters below 100 nm and lengths ranging from several microns to millimeters. Known for their mechanical reinforcement, thermal and electrical conductivity, and versatility, CNFs are critical for applications in:  


  • Composites for advanced materials.  

  • Battery anodes and cathodes, where carbon provides conductivity and acts as a host network for lithium-ion intercalation during charge/discharge cycles.  


With Japan, South Korea, and China accounting for approximately 80% of global battery manufacturing, the region is a natural hub for advanced materials innovation. Furthermore, Asia-Pacific countries host leading carbon fiber producers such as Toray, Mitsubishi, and Teijin, making it a prime market for Carbonova’s advanced carbon products.  

 

Why Asia-Pacific and Canada Are Critical  

 

Asia-Pacific’s focus on carbon utilization stems from unique regional constraints, such as limited land for geological CO₂ storage and the economic challenges of transporting CO₂ to other regions. This aligns perfectly with Carbonova’s mission to create value from captured CO₂ through its innovative process.  


Canada, on the other hand, remains a cornerstone for Carbonova’s growth. With its headquarters in Calgary, Alberta, Carbonova is uniquely positioned to leverage:  


  • Canada’s abundant natural gas resources to diversify applications into non-combustion, high-value markets.  

  • The existing carbon capture and utilization (CCU) infrastructure, enabling the transformation of CO₂ into advanced materials for electronics, transportation, and construction.  


Carbonova’s contributions elevate Canada’s economy up through the value chain by fostering innovation in producing refined materials that meet the demands of global markets.  

 

Looking Ahead  

 

With strong support from investors in both Canada and Asia-Pacific, Carbonova is advancing the design of its first Commercial Demonstration Unit (CDU). The company is actively identifying a suitable location in Canada for this first-of-its-kind demonstration, with a majority of its production capacity already under negotiation.  


This patent grant solidifies Carbonova’s vision to lead the way in CO₂ utilization and carbon nanofiber production, empowering global industries to embrace sustainable, high-value solutions.  

 





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