ECT:ECT Successfully Produces MXeneUsing Flash Joule Heating
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
Environmental Clean Technologies Limited
ASX: ECT
ABN 28 009 120 405
www.ectltd.com.au
T: +613 9849 6203
E: info@ectltd.com.au
Level 21, 459 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Australia 1
ECT Successfully Produces MXene
Using Flash Joule Heating
Highlights:
Environmental Clean Technologies Limited (ASX: ECT) ("ECT" or "Company") is pleased to announce that
Xenica Inc (a wholly owned subsidiary of its acquisition target Xenica Pty Ltd (“Xenica”)) has successfully
producedMXene inthe first runsof its scale-upoptimisation program usingMetallium’s Flash Joule Heating
(FJH) reactor platform (refer to ECT’s ASX announcement on 19 August 2026).
The reaction products were internally characterised by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron
microscopy (SEM). Independent laboratory Moore Analytical performed X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of
the reactionproducts,whichshowedchangesininterlayerspacingconsistentwiththe formationof chlorine-
terminated MXene.
The MXene wasproducedunderthe existing R&D and EngineeringAgreementwithMetalliumLtd (referto
ECT’s ASX announcement on 4 August 2026). The first flashes were completed in line with the timetable
previouslyannouncedbythe Company.The collaboration with Metallium supportsECT’s ability to progress
the structured flash program toward repeatable production.
Twoseparate flasheshave nowbeencompleted inastructuredprogramdesignedtoidentifyoptimalprocess
conditionsforrepeatable productionof MXene tocommercialspecifications,withaninitial focusondefence
applications.
These first flashes are a major step in refining the use of FJH to produce MXenes. ECT is now progressing
through a structured optimisation program to target defence-relevant specifications, given the significant
market potential in this sector and the Company’s sublicence to produce and sell MXenes for defence
applications.
ASX Announcement
9 October 2026
• ECT’s acquisition target, Xenica, has successfully produced MXene in the first runs of its scale-up
optimisation program using its Flash Joule Heating (FJH) process.
• The MXene was produced under the R&D and Engineering Agreement with Metallium Ltd
(ASX:MTM).
• Two separate flashes have now been completed in a structured program designed to identify
optimal processconditionsfor repeatable productionof MXenetocommercialspecifications,with
an initial focus on defence applications.
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Figure 1: Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the bulk reaction product from the second flash, showing the open, layered
structure expected of an etched MAX phase grain. Image captured at the Rice University Shared Equipment Authority.
Commentingon the update, ChiefScientistand CTO, Justin Sharp, said: “Successfully producing MXenes in
the firstflash runs marksa majormilestoneforECTand providesstrong supportforourproposed acquisition.
Our focus with MTM is now on improving conversion and product consistency, and on characterising the
material against defence-relevant specifications. This work is an important step towards establishing a
pathway to repeatable production and customer qualification."
ECT Executive Chairman, Faldi Ismail, said: “These initial results are a highly encouraging step towards
establishing a scalable, cost-effectiveU.S.sourceof MXenesfordefenceapplications.Ourfocusison turning
this technical progressinto a commercial opportunity by producing materialconsistently to targetcustomer
specifications. The next phase will combine process optimisation with identifying priority applications and
preparing for customer evaluation.”
Metallium Managing Director and CEO, Michael Walshe, said: “This program highlights the commercial
potential of Metallium’s FJH platform beyond metals recovery. Our collaboration with ECT provides an
opportunity to generate additional revenue from our technology, engineering capability and U.S.
infrastructure while supporting the development of advanced materials. We are now focused on improving
process repeatability and generating the operating data needed to support further scale-up.”
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Commercial Relevance
MXenesare an emergingclass of two-dimensional(2D) materials that combine high electrical conductivity,
low weight and highly tuneable surface chemistry. This combination makes MXenes one of the most
promising materialsfor electromagneticinterference (EMI) shieldingandadvanceddefencecoatings,where
thin, lightweight layers are needed to block, absorb or manage electromagnetic signals.
Potential defence applications include EMI shielding for electronics and communications systems, radar-
absorbing and signature-managementcoatings,and protective coatings for sensitive equipment.These are
performance-critical uses where materials are selected on capability rather than price, and where high-
quality, Western-produced MXene is not currently available at scale.
Despite stronginterest,adoptionof MXeneshasbeenheldback bythe cost, safety andlimited scalability of
conventional production methods.
FJH Advantage
ECT believes the real opportunity lies not simply in producing MXene, but in developing a scalable, cost-
effective process to produce it. Conventional MXene manufacture selectively removes aluminium from a
layeredceramic precursor (MAXphase) usinghydrofluoricacid (HF) or similarly aggressive chemistry.These
processes are typically limited to small batches (<100g), are time intensive and generate hazardous waste,
making MXene prohibitively expensive for most commercial uses.
ECT’s FJHprocessis fundamentallydifferent.Itisa dry,HF-free processwith minimal waste.The firstflashes
processedbatchesof 400gof MAXphase precursor,withruntimesof 30 and60 minutes.Publishedresearch
in Nature Synthesis provides an early indication that FJH is faster, eliminates bulk acid handling, materially
reduces waste and is potentially more scalable than conventional methods.
Through its collaboration with Metallium, ECT has access to an existing FJH reactor platform, engineering
expertise andU.S.-basedscale-upinfrastructure.Thisallows the processto be evaluated beyondlaboratory
scale without ECT having to build its own specialised processing infrastructure. If successful, FJH could
provide a lower-cost manufacturing pathway for MXenes and a key competitive advantage for ECT. The
collaboration also supports Metallium’s strategy to generate revenue by providing access to its reactor
technology, engineering expertise and U.S. infrastructure.
Customer Pathway
ECT isinitially targetingthe defencemarket,withXenicaIncholdingasublicence fromMXeneInc.toproduce,
use or sell MXenesformilitary end-use (refertoECT’s ASXannouncementon14 September2026). Defence
is an attractive entry market because procurement is performance-led and demand for secure, Western-
produced supply exceeds current availability.
To identify the highest-value opportunities for FJH-produced MXene, ECT intends to:
• map priority defence applications, beginning with EMI shielding and defence coatings, against the
material specifications each requires;
• engage withprospective defence customersandprogrammestounderstandperformance requirements
and qualification pathways;
• benchmark FJH-produced material against conventionally produced MXene; and
• deliver samples to prospective customers for evaluation as material meets target specifications.
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This approach is consistent with research published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, which
proposedestablishingearlyrevenue inhigh-returnmilitary andmedical applications and usingthat position
to fund the manufacturing scale-up needed to unlock broader industrial markets.
Next Steps
The structured flash program will now continue. The next steps are:
• Further flashes across a range of process conditions, working towards repeatable production at
Metallium’s Gator Point facility in Texas, USA.
• Independent characterisation of the material against defence-relevant specifications.
• Delivery of samples to prospective defence customers.
• Customer and programme qualification.
This announcement is authorised for release to the ASX by the Board.
For further information, please contact:
INVESTORS
Faldi Ismail
Chairman
info@ectltd.com.au / +613 9849 6203
Forward-looking Statement
This announcement may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events or performance,
including butnotlimitedtoprojectionsof financialresults,anticipatedgrowth,andbusinessstrategies.These
forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, assumptions, and projections that involve
inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated due to various
factors, including market conditions, regulatory changes, technological advancements, and economic
conditions.
Investorsare cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-lookingstatements,whichspeakonly as of
the date of this announcement. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-
looking statements,whetherasa resultof new information,future events,orotherwise,exceptasrequired
by applicable securities laws.
Investors should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's periodic reports
filed with the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and other regulatory authorities. Forward-looking
statementsare providedas of the date of this announcement,andthe Companydisclaims any obligation to
update them, except as required by law.
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