WO2025027307A1 - Aerosol generating component - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol generating component for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system. The aerosol generating component includes an allotrope of carbon 101 supported on an electrically insulating substrate 102. At least one aperture 105 extends through the electrically insulating substrate 102.

Description

AEROSOL GENERATING COMPONENT

FIELD

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating component, particularly an aerosol generating component for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision system. The present invention further relates to an aerosol generating assembly comprising the aerosol generating component, an aerosol generating system comprising the aerosol generating component or the aerosol generating assembly, and a method of forming the aerosol generating component.

BACKGROUND

Non-combustible aerosol provision systems that generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user are known in the art. Such systems typically comprise an aerosol generating component which is capable of converting an aerosolisable material into an aerosol. In some instances, the aerosol generated is a condensation aerosol whereby an aerosolisable material is first vaporised and then allowed to condense into an aerosol. In other instances, the aerosol generated is an aerosol which results from the atomisation of the aerosolisable material. Such atomisation may be induced mechanically, e.g. by subjecting the aerosolisable material to vibrations so as to form small particles of material that are entrained in airflow. Alternatively, such atomisation may be induced electrostatically, or in other ways, such as by using pressure.

Since such aerosol provision systems are intended to generate an aerosol which is to be inhaled by a user, consideration should be given to the characteristics of the aerosol produced. These characteristics can include the size of the particles of the aerosol, the total amount of the aerosol produced, etc.

Where the aerosol provision system is used to simulate a smoking experience, e.g. as an e- cigarette or similar product, control of these various characteristics is especially important since the user may expect a specific sensorial experience to result from the use of the system.

It would be desirable to provide non-combustible aerosol provision systems which have improved control of these characteristics.

SUMMARY According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating component for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the aerosol generating component comprising an allotrope of carbon supported on an electrically insulating substrate, wherein at least one aperture extends through the electrically insulating substrate.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon comprises one or more layers of graphene. Where there is more than one layer of graphene, at least two of the layers of graphene may be non-parallel relative to each other. Where there is more than one layer of graphene, at least two of the layers of graphene may be parallel to each other. For example, the allotrope of carbon may be bilayer graphene. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon (e.g. the one or more layers of graphene) comprises or is in the form of three-dimensional graphene.

In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate is thermally insulating.

In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate has a thermal conductivity of no greater than 0.5 Wm’¹k’¹.

In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate is non-porous.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon has a length of no greater than 5 mm and a width of no greater than 5 mm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon has a length of at least 0.5 mm and a width of at least 0.5 mm.

In some embodiments, the or each of the at least one aperture has a diameter of no greater than 500 pm.

In some embodiments, the or each of the at least one aperture has a diameter of at least 50 pm.

In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface are opposite from each other, wherein the allotrope of carbon is supported on the first surface.

In some embodiments, the at least one aperture extends from the first surface to the second surface. In some embodiments, the distance between an edge defined by the perimeter of an aperture of the at least one aperture and an edge defined by the perimeter of any other aperture of the at least one aperture, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate, is no greater than 1 mm.

In some embodiments, the respective edges are: an edge defined by the perimeter of an aperture of the at least one aperture and another edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate; and/or an edge defined by the perimeter of an aperture of the at least one aperture and another edge defined by the perimeter of another aperture of the at least one aperture; and/or an edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate and another edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon is formed as a plurality of nanotubes.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon is formed as an open-cell foam.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon is formed as a plurality of flakes.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon has a total thickness of from 0.345 nm to 100 pm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon is formed by one of printing, laser induced graphene formation, and chemical vapour deposition.

In some embodiments, the or each of the at least one aperture defines a closed shape.

In some embodiments, the contact area between the allotrope of carbon and the electrically insulating substrate defines an outermost perimeter, wherein an imaginary line extends from a portion of the outermost perimeter to an opposing portion of the outermost perimeter along the contact area, wherein the substrate axially extends from the imaginary line by no greater than 100% of the length of the imaginary line.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon.

In some embodiments, a Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon comprises a G band, and D band, wherein a G band peak is within a Raman shift range of about 1500 cm^-1 to about 1650 cm^-1, and a D band peak is within a Raman shift range of from about 1250 cm^-1 to about 1400 cm^-1, wherein a ratio I_D/IG of the intensity ID of the D band peak to the intensity IG of the G band peak is from about 0.8 to about 2, preferably from about 1 to about 1 .8.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an assembly for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the assembly comprising the aerosol generating component according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, and a first channel extending to the at least one aperture.

In some embodiments, the first channel is a capillary channel.

In some embodiments, the first channel is at least partially formed by the second surface.

In some embodiments, the aerosol generating assembly comprises a structure, the second surface and the structure being spaced apart from each other so at to at least partially define the first channel.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: the aerosol generating component according to the first aspect of the present disclosure or the aerosol generating assembly according to the second aspect of the present disclosure; and one or more of a power source and a controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments will now be described in detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram (not to scale or proportion) of a non-combustible aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating component according to the present disclosure, in side view;

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating component of Fig. 2, in perspective view;

Fig. 4A is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating component according to the present disclosure, wherein the allotrope of carbon is one or more layers of graphene are formed as an open cell foam; Fig. 4B is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating component according to the present disclosure, wherein the allotrope of carbon is one or more layers of graphene are formed as a plurality of flakes;

Fig. 4C is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating component according to the present disclosure, wherein the allotrope of carbon is one or more layers of graphene are formed as a plurality of nanotubes;

Fig. 5A shows a plan view of an aerosol generating assembly according to the present disclosure;

Fig. 5B shows a side view of the aerosol generating assembly of Fig. 5A;

Fig. 5C is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating assembly of Fig. 5A (not showing the aerosol generating material transport component)

Fig. 6A shows an aerosol generating assembly according to the present disclosure, in perspective view;

Fig. 6B is a schematic diagram of the aerosol generating assembly of Fig. 6A;

Fig. 7A shows an aerosol generating component according to the present disclosure, in plan view;

Fig. 7B is a heat map of the aerosol generating component of Fig. 7A, wherein the aerosol generating component was energised;

Fig. 8A is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating component according to the present disclosure, wherein the aerosol generating component comprises a heating portion and one or more aerosolisable material feed portions extending from the heating portion;

Fig. 8B is a heat map of the aerosol generating component of Fig. 8A, wherein the aerosol generating component was energised;

Fig. 9 shows an aerosol generating component according to the present disclosure, in plan view;

Fig. 10A shows a graph of energy density, mass loss, and efficiency for aerosol generating components according to the present disclosure; Fig. 10B shows a table of the data in Fig. 10A;

Fig. 11A shows an aerosol generating assembly according to the present disclosure;

Fig. 11 B shows a plot of efficiency (J/mg; square data points) and volatilisation rate (mg/s; circular data points) as a function of energy applied (J) for the assembly of Fig. 11A;

Fig. 11C shows a microscopy image of a portion of the aerosol generating component of the assembly of Fig. 11A;

Fig. 12A shows an aerosol generating assembly according to the present disclosure;

Fig. 12B shows a plot of efficiency (J/mg; square data points) and volatilisation rate (mg/s; circular data points) as a function of energy applied (J) for the assembly of Fig. 12A;

Fig.13A shows an aerosol generating assembly according to the present disclosure;

Fig. 13B shows a plot of efficiency (J/mg; square data points) and volatilisation rate (mg/s; circular data points) as a function of energy applied (J) for the assembly of Fig. 13A;

Fig. 14A shows test data for aerosol generating assemblies according to the present disclosure;

Fig. 14B shows; a plot of efficiency as a function of power density using the data of Fig. 14A;

Fig. 15A is a schematic drawing of an aerosol generating assembly according to the present disclosure, in side view;

Fig. 15B is a schematic drawing of the aerosol generating assembly of Fig. 15A, in plan view;

Fig. 16 is a schematic drawings of the an aerosol generating assembly according to the present disclosure;

Fig. 17A shows a schematic drawing of an assembly according to the present disclosure, in plan view;

Fig. 17B shows a schematic drawing of the assembly of Fig. 17A, in plan view;

Fig. 17C shows a further schematic drawing of the assembly of Fig. 17A, in plan view; Fig. 18A shows a schematic drawing of an assembly according to the present disclosure, in plan view;

Fig. 18B shows a schematic drawing of the assembly of Fig. 18A, in side view;

Fig. 19A shows a schematic drawing of an assembly according to the present disclosure, in side view;

Fig. 19B shows a schematic drawing of an assembly according to the present disclosure, in side view;

Fig. 19C shows a schematic drawing of an assembly according to the present disclosure, in side view;

Fig. 20 shows a schematic drawing of an aerosol generating component according to the present disclosure, in bottom view;

Fig. 21 shows a schematic drawing of an embodiment of Fig. 20, in top view;

Fig. 22 shows a schematic drawing of an alternative embodiment of Fig. 20, in top view;

Fig. 23 shows a schematic drawings of the embodiment of Fig. 21 , in side view along the longitudinal extent of the aerosol generating component; and

Fig. 24 shows a Raman spectra of an allotrope of carbon sample, in which the x-axis corresponds to Raman shift (cm^-1) and the y-axis corresponds to intensity (counts), with a D band peak, a G band peak, and a 2D band peak.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed/described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed/described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of aerosol generating components, aerosol generating assemblies, systems, and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

As described above, the present disclosure relates, but is not limited, to non-combustible aerosol provision systems, articles, aerosol generating assemblies, and aerosol generating components, that generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material (also referred to herein as “aerosolisable material”).

According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a powered noncombustible aerosol provision system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosolgenerating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non- combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area (which may be referred to herein as a reservoir for aerosolisable material), an aerosolgenerating material transfer component (also referred to herein as an aerosolisable material transfer component), an aerosol generator (also referred to herein as an aerosol generating component), an aerosol generation area (also referred to herein as an aerosol generation chamber), a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.

Throughout the following description the terms “e-cigarette” and “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used. However, it will be appreciated these terms may be used interchangeably with non-combustible aerosol (vapour) provision system as explained above.

The systems described herein typically generate an inhalable aerosol by vaporisation of an aerosol-generating material.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.

The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12. As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.

As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v..Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel. In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.

As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.

In some embodiments, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.

In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.

Aerosol-generating material (“aerosolisable material”) is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants.

The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.

The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3- butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

As used herein, the term “consumable” may refer to an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosolgenerating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosolmodifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor. The consumable may be suitable for holding (or containing) the aerosol-generating material. In this way, the consumable may, but need not necessarily, hold (or contain) the aerosol-generating material.

As used herein, the term “susceptor” refers to a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrical ly-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

As used herein, the term “component” is used to refer to a part, section, unit, module, assembly or similar of an electronic cigarette or similar device that incorporates several smaller parts or elements, possibly within an exterior housing or wall. An electronic cigarette may be formed or built from one or more such components, and the components may be removably or separably connectable to one another, or may be permanently joined together during manufacture to define the whole electronic cigarette. The present disclosure is applicable to (but not limited to) systems comprising two components separably connectable to one another and configured, for example, as a consumable/article component capable of holding an aerosol generating material (also referred to herein as a cartridge or cartomiser), and a device/control unit having a battery for providing electrical power to operate an element for generating vapour from the aerosol generating material.

An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent

The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosolmodifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosolmodifying agent may be free from filtration material.

An aerosol generator (or aerosol generating component) is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.

Fig. 1 is a highly schematic diagram (not to scale) of an example non-combustible aerosol provision system such as an e-cigarette 10. The e-cigarette 10 has a generally cylindrical shape, extending along a longitudinal axis indicated by a dashed line, and comprises two main components, namely a control or power component or section 20 (which may be referred to herein as a “device”) and a cartridge assembly or section 30 (which may be referred to herein as an “article”, “consumable”, “cartomizer”, or “cartridge”) that operates as a vapour generating component.

The article 30 includes a storage compartment (also referred to herein as a “reservoir”) 3 containing an aerosolisable material comprising (for example) a liquid formulation from which an aerosol is to be generated. The liquid formulation may or may not contain nicotine. As an example, the aerosolisable material may comprise around 1 to 3% nicotine and 50% glycerol, with the remainder comprising roughly propylene glycol, and possibly also comprising other components, such as water or flavourings. The storage compartment 3 has the form of a storage tank, i.e. a container or receptacle in which aerosolisable material can be stored such that the aerosolisable material is free to move and flow (if liquid) within the confines of the container or receptacle. Alternatively, the storage compartment 3 may contain a quantity of absorbent material such as cotton wadding or glass fibre which holds the aerosolisable material within a porous structure. The storage compartment 3 may be sealed after filling during manufacture so as to be disposable after the aerosolisable material is consumed, or may have an inlet port or other opening through which new aerosolisable material can be added. The article 30 also comprises an electrical aerosol generating component 4 located externally of the storage compartment 3 for generating the aerosol by vaporisation of the aerosolisable material. In many examples, the aerosol generating component is a heating element (a heater) which is heated by the passage of electrical current (via resistive or inductive heating) to raise the temperature of the aerosolisable material until it evaporates. An aerosol generating material transfer component (not shown in Fig. 1), e.g. a liquid conduit arrangement such as a wick or other porous element, may be provided to deliver aerosolisable material from the storage compartment 3 to the aerosol generating component 4. The aerosol generating material transfer component may have one or more parts located inside the storage compartment 3 so as to be able to absorb aerosolisable material and transfer it by wicking or capillary action to other parts of the aerosol generating material transfer component that are in contact with the aerosol generating component 4. This aerosolisable material is thereby vaporised, and is to be replaced by new aerosolisable material transferred to the aerosol generating component 4 by the aerosol generating material transfer component.

A heater and wick combination, or other arrangement of parts that perform the same functions, is sometimes referred to as an atomiser or atomiser assembly. Various designs are possible, in which the parts may be differently arranged compared to the highly schematic representation of Fig. 1. For example, the wick may be an entirely separate element from the aerosol generating component.

In some cases, the aerosol generating material transfer component 4 (e.g. a liquid conduit) for delivering liquid for vapour generation may be formed at least in part from one or more slots, tubes or channels between the storage compartment and the aerosol generating component which are narrow enough to support capillary action to draw source liquid out of the storage compartment and deliver it for vaporisation. In general, an atomiser can be considered to be an aerosol generating component 4 able to generate vapour from aerosolisable material delivered to it, and an aerosol generating material transfer component (e.g. a liquid conduit) able to deliver or transport liquid from the storage compartment 3 or similar liquid store to the aerosol generating component by a capillary force.

Typically, the aerosol generating component is at least partially located within an aerosol generating chamber that forms part of an airflow channel through the electronic cigarette/system. Vapour produced by the aerosol generating component is driven off into this chamber, and as air passes through the chamber, flowing over and around the aerosol generating component, it collects the produced vapour whereby it condenses to form the demanded aerosol.

Returning to Fig. 1 , the cartridge assembly 30 also includes a mouthpiece 35 having an opening or air outlet through which a user may inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating component 4, and delivered through the airflow channel.

The power component (or device) 20 includes a cell 5 (e.g. a “battery”), which may be rechargeable, to provide power for electrical components of the e-cigarette 10, in particular the aerosol generating component 4. Additionally, there is a printed circuit board 28 and/or other electronics or circuitry for generally controlling the e-cigarette 10. The control electronics/circuitry connect the aerosol generating element 4 to the battery 5 when vapour is demanded, for example in response to a signal from an air pressure sensor or air flow sensor (not shown) that detects an inhalation on the system 10 during which air enters through one or more air inlets 26 in the wall of the power component 20 to flow along the airflow channel. When the aerosol generating component 4 receives power from the cell 5, the aerosol generating component 4 vaporises aerosolisable material delivered from the storage compartment 3 to generate the aerosol, and the aerosol is then inhaled by a user through the opening in the mouthpiece 35. The aerosol is carried to the mouthpiece 35 along the airflow channel (not shown) that connects the air inlet 26 to the air outlet when a user inhales on the mouthpiece 35. An airflow path through the electronic cigarette is hence defined, between the air inlet(s) (which may or may not be in the power component 20) to the atomiser and on to the air outlet at the mouthpiece. In use, the air flow direction along this airflow path is from the air inlet to the air outlet, so that the atomiser can be described as arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the air outlet.

In this particular example, the power component 20 and the cartridge assembly 30 are separate parts detachable from one another by separation in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, as indicated by the solid arrows in Fig. 1. The components 20, 30 are joined together when the device 10 is in use by cooperating engagement elements 21 , 31 (for example, a screw, magnetic or bayonet fitting) which provide mechanical and electrical connectivity between the power section 20 and the cartridge assembly 30. This is merely an example arrangement, however, and the various components may be differently distributed between the power section 20 and the cartridge assembly 30, and other components and elements may be included. The two sections 20, 30 may connect together end-to-end in a longitudinal configuration as in Fig. 1 , or in a different configuration such as a parallel, side- by-side arrangement. The non-combustible aerosol provision system 10 may or may not be generally cylindrical and/or have a generally longitudinal shape. Either or both sections may be intended to be disposed of and replaced when exhausted (the reservoir is empty or the battery is flat, for example), or be intended for multiple uses enabled by actions such as refilling the reservoir, recharging the battery, or replacing the atomiser. Alternatively, the e-cigarette 10 may be a unitary device (disposable or refillable/rechargeable) that cannot be separated into two or more parts, in which case all components are comprised within a single body or housing. Examples of the present invention are applicable to any of these configurations and other configurations of which the skilled person will be aware.

As mentioned, a type of aerosol generating component, such as a heating element, that may be utilised in an atomising portion of an electronic cigarette 10 (a part configured to generate vapour from a source liquid) combines the functions of heating and liquid delivery, by being both electrically conductive (resistive) and porous. Note here that reference to being electrically conductive (resistive) refers to components which have the capacity to generate heat in response to the flow of electrical current therein. Such flow could be imparted by via so-called resistive heating or induction heating. The aerosol generating component may be of a sheet-like form, i.e. a planar shape with a thickness many times smaller than its length or breadth. It is possible for the planar aerosol generating component to define a curved plane and in these instances reference to the planar aerosol generating component forming a plane means an imaginary flat plane forming a plane of best fit through the component.

The aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may comprise appropriately sized voids and/or interstices to provide a capillary force for wicking aerosolisable material (e.g. liquid). Thus, the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may also be considered to be porous, so as to provide for the uptake and distribution of aerosolisable material (e.g. liquid). Moreover, the presence of voids and/or interstices may mean air can permeate through said aerosol generating component. Also, at least part of the aerosol generating component is electrically conductive and therefore suitable for resistive heating, whereby electrical current flowing through a material with electrical resistance generates heat.

An aerosol generating component (e.g. which is planar and/or sheet-like) may be arranged within a non-combustible aerosol provision system (e.g. an electronic cigarette), such that the aerosol generating component lies within the aerosol generating chamber forming part of an airflow channel. The aerosol generating component may be oriented within the chamber such that air flow though the chamber may flow in a surface direction, i.e. substantially parallel to the plane of the aerosol generating component. An example of such a configuration can be found in WO2010/045670 and WO2010/045671 , the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. Air can thence flow over the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof), and gather vapour. Aerosol generation is thereby made effective. In alternative examples, the aerosol generating component may be oriented within the chamber such that air flow though the chamber may flow in a direction which is substantially transverse to the surface direction, i.e. substantially orthogonally to the plane of the aerosol generating component. An example of such a configuration can be found in WO2018/211252, the contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. The aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may have a high degree of porosity. A high degree of porosity may ensure that the heat produced by the aerosol generating component is predominately used for evaporating the liquid and high efficiency can be obtained. A porosity of greater than 50% may be envisaged. In one embodiment, the porosity of the aerosol generating component is 50% or greater, 60% or greater, 70% or greater.

The aerosol generating component may form a generally flat structure, comprising first and second surfaces. The generally flat structure may take the form of any two dimensional shape, for example, circular, semi-circular, triangular, square, rectangular and/ or polygonal. The aerosol generating component may have a uniform thickness.

Where the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) is formed from an electrically resistive material, electrical current is permitted to flow through the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) so as to generate heat (so called Joule heating). In this regard, the electrical resistance of the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) can be selected appropriately. For example, the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may have an electrical resistance of 2 ohms or less, such as 1.8 ohms or less, such as 1 .7 ohms or less, such as 1 .6 ohms or less, such as 1.5 ohms or less, such as 1.4 ohms or less, such as 1.3 ohms or less, such as 1.2 ohms or less, such as 1.1 ohms or less, such as 1.0 ohm or less, such as 0.9 ohms or less, such as 0.8 ohms or less, such as 0.7 ohms or less, such as 0.6 ohms or less, such as 0.5 ohms or less. The parameters of the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof), such as material, thickness, width, length, porosity etc. can be selected so as to provide the desired resistance. In this regard, a relatively lower resistance will facilitate higher power draw from the power source, which can be advantageous in producing a high rate of aerosolisation. On the other hand, the resistance should not be so low as to prejudice the integrity of the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof). For example, the resistance may not be lower than 0.5 ohms.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating component 100 for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the aerosol generating component 100 comprising an allotrope of carbon 101 supported on an electrically insulating substrate 102.

Examples of the aerosol generating component 100 are shown in Figs. 2 to 19C. It has been found that the aerosol generating component 100 exhibits desirable heating and aerosolisation performance in the context of a non-combustible aerosol provision system.

The electrically insulating substrate 102 supports the allotrope of carbon 101. In this way, the allotrope of carbon 101 is directly or indirectly supported on the electrically insulating substrate 102.

The electrically insulating substrate 102 may be porous. Alternatively, the electrically insulating substrate 102 may be non-porous.

The electrically insulating substrate 102 may comprise one or more layers. At least one layer may be porous. At least one layer may be non-porous. For example, at least one layer may be porous and at least one layer may be non-porous.

At least one of the layers may be formed as a coating.

The electrically insulating substrate 102 may comprise at least two layers, wherein the layer which directly contacts the allotrope of carbon 101 is porous, and at least one other layer is non-porous.

The electrically insulating substrate 102 may comprise at least two layers, wherein the layer which directly contacts the allotrope of carbon 101 is non-porous, and at least one other layer is porous.

The electrically insulating substrate 102 may be made of any suitable electrically conductive material. In particular, the electrically insulating substrate 102 may be thermally insulating (in which case the substrate may be referred to as an “electrically insulating and thermally insulating substrate 102”). The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a thermal conductivity of no greater than 5 Wm’¹k’¹. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a thermal conductivity of no greater than 3 Wm’¹k’¹. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a thermal conductivity of no greater than 2 Wm’¹k’¹. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a thermal conductivity of no greater than 1 Wm’¹k’¹. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a thermal conductivity of no greater than 0.5 Wm’¹k’¹. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a thermal conductivity of no greater than 0.2 Wm’¹k’¹. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a thermal conductivity of no greater than 0.1 Wm’¹k’¹. For example, the electrically insulating substrate 102 may be selected from the group consisting of plastic, glass, paper, and ceramic. For example, where the electrically insulating substrate 102 comprises one or more layers, each layer may be independently selected from the group consisting of plastic, glass, paper, and ceramic.

The plastic may be selected from polysulfone (PSU), poly(ethersulfone) (PES), polyimide (PI), poly(phenylene sulphide) (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyether ketone (PEK). In some embodiments, the polyimide (PI) is selected from polyetherimide (PEI) and polyamide-imide (PAI). In some embodiments, the polyimide is poly(4,4'-oxydiphenylene- pyromellitimide). Poly(4,4'-oxydiphenylene-pyromellitimide) is commercially available from DuPont under the trade name Kapton® HN (and other Kapton® products).

The glass may be selected from the group consisting of silicate glass and non-silicate glass. In some embodiments, the silicate glass is borosilicate glass, or quartz glass (fused quartz). The glass may be flexible. The glass may be non-porous.

The electrically insulating substrate 101 (e.g. at least one layer thereof) may have a porous structure formed from pillars and interstitial pores (also referred herein to voids and/or interstices). The allotrope of carbon 101 may be formed on the pillars to form a coating. For example, the interstitial pores of the coated electrically insulating substrate may have an average pore size of from 0.5 to 40 pm (although this may vary). The average pore size may be the mean pore size or the median pore size. The average pore size may be determined methods including (but not limited to) mercury intrusion porosimetry or gas adsorption. Those skilled in the art are familiar with such methods.

The electrically insulating substrate 102 may be formed as a sheet (which may be curved or substantially planar). The electrically insulating substrate 102 may be substantially planar. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 may be formed as a plate, a strip (as shown in Figs. 2, 3, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B), or a rod. As shown in Figs. 2 to 9, the electrically insulating substrate 102 may be elongate.

In some embodiments, the cross sectional area of the electrically insulating substrate 102 perpendicular to the longitudinal extent (e.g. length) of the electrically insulating substrate 102 is polygonal (e.g. a square, a rectangle, or a triangle). Alternatively, the cross sectional area of the electrically insulating substrate 102 perpendicular to the longitudinal extent (e.g. length) of the electrically insulating substrate 102 is curved (e.g. a circle, an oval, or an ellipse). In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a thickness of from 100 pm to 4 mm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a thickness of from 200 pm to 3 mm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a thickness of from 400 pm to 2 mm.

In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a thickness of from 5 pm to 500 pm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a thickness of from 10 pm to 500 pm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a thickness of from 50 pm to 500 pm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a thickness of from 100 pm to 500 pm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a thickness of from 50 pm to 300 pm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a thickness of from 80 pm to 250 pm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a thickness of from 100 pm to 200 pm. For example, the thickness of the electrically insulating substrate 102 is represented by “T_s” in Fig. 2.

In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a length of from 1 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a length of from 2 mm to 40 mm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a length of from 5 mm to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a length of from 10 mm to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a length of from 10 mm to 25 mm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a length of from 10 mm to 20 mm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a length of from 12 mm to 18 mm. For example, the length of the electrically insulating substrate 102 is represented by “Ls” in Fig. 2.

In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a width of from 0.5 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a width of from 0.5 mm to 20 mm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a width of 0.5 mm to 10 mm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a width of from 0.5 mm to 5 mm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a width of from 0.5 mm to 3 mm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a width of from 1 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a width of from 1 mm to 20 mm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a width of from 1 mm to 10 mm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a width of from 1 mm to 5 mm. In some embodiments, the electrically insulating substrate 102 has a width of from 1 mm to 3 mm. For example, the width of the electrically insulating substrate 102 is represented by “Ws” in Fig. 3.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a length of from 1 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a length of from 2 mm to 40 mm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a length of from 5 mm to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a length of from 10 mm to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a length of from 10 mm to 25 mm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a length of from 10 mm to 20 mm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a length of from 12 mm to 18 mm. In Fig. 2, the length of the allotrope of carbon 101 is shown to be approximately the same as the length Ls of the substrate 102 (although it will be appreciated that this can be varied).

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a width of from 0.5 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a width of from 0.5 mm to 20 mm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a width of 0.5 mm to 10 mm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a width of from 0.5 mm to 5 mm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a width of from 1 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a width of from 1 mm to 20 mm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a width of from 1 mm to 10 mm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a width of from 1 mm to 5 mm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a width of from 1 mm to 3 mm. In Fig. 3, the width of the allotrope of carbon 101 is shown to be approximately the same as the width Ws of the substrate 102 (although it will be appreciated that this can be varied).

The aerosol generating component 100 may comprise a capillary structure. The provision of a capillary structure facilitates the effective transport aerosolisable material through the bulk structure of the aerosol generating component 100 and/or across the surface of the one or more layers of the allotrope of carbon 101 .

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 comprises a capillary structure. Alternatively or additionally, the electrically insulating substrate 102 may comprise a capillary structure. For example, as described above, a capillary structure may be provided by the porous structure of the electrically insulating substrate 102 (where present). The capillary structure may additionally or alternatively be provided by one or more channels or grooves in the electrically insulating substrate 102 (where present). The allotrope of carbon 101 may include pores. For example, the allotrope of carbon 101 may be porous. The allotrope of carbon 101 may be permeable, e.g. liquid and/or gas permeable.

The allotrope of carbon 101 may be at least partially exposed. The allotrope of carbon 101 may be a monolithic material.

The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a heating surface. The heating surface may be partially or completely exposed. In use, aerosol may be emitted from the heating surface.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 comprises a capillary structure, and the electrically insulating substrate 102 comprises a capillary structure. In other embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 comprises a capillary structure, and the electrically insulating substrate 102 is non-porous (and does not comprise a capillary structure). It has been found that the provision of a non-porous substrate 102 reduces the exposure of the allotrope of carbon to bulk aerosolisable material in use (relative to embodiments having a porous substrate 102), such that the efficiency of the aerosol component 100 can be improved. In this way, aerosolisable material can be fed to the allotrope of carbon 101 by way of the at least one apertures 105 rather than via the bulk structure of the substrate 102 (which may be the case when the substrate 102 is porous).

The aerosol generating component 100 comprises an allotrope of carbon 101 supported on the electrically insulating substrate 102.

It has been found that the allotrope of carbon 101 provides for an effective aerosol generating component. The allotrope of carbon 101 provides a carbonaceous surface which distributes and aerosolises the aerosolisable material in use. Where the allotrope of carbon 101 is heated to aerosolisation temperatures, the carbonaceous surface has a high surface free energy and therefore a high wettability. In this way, where the allotrope of carbon 101 is heated to aerosolisation temperatures, a thin layer of aerosolisable material can be evenly distributed across the carbonaceous surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 and efficiently aerosolised. Moreover, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a high power density, a low thermal mass, and a small volume of the aerosolisable material can be thinly formed across a given surface area of the allotrope of carbon (relative to materials for which aerosolisable material cannot be as thinly formed across a surface thereof). This provides for efficient transfer of energy to the aerosolisable material in use.

The allotrope of carbon 101 may comprise carbon structured so as to contain a plurality of carbon to carbon bonds lying in the same plane. For example, the allotrope of carbon 101 may comprise graphite. Where the allotrope of carbon 101 comprises graphite, the allotrope comprises a plurality of stacked layers of carbon atoms, the carbon atoms of each layer being bonded to three adjacent carbon atoms in the layer, with each bond lying in the same plane so as to form a hexagonal lattice structure. Non-covalent bonding exists between the stacked layers.

Accordingly, graphite includes multiple stacked layers of carbon, in which the layers of carbon are parallel relative to each other. There are two forms of graphite: alpha graphite, in which the layers are ABA stacked; and beta graphite, in which the layers are ABC stacked.

It is also possible for the allotrope of carbon 101 to comprise graphene. For example, the allotrope of carbon 101 may be graphene. Where the allotrope of carbon 101 is graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms, i.e. a one-atom thick layer of carbon, are arranged to form a hexagonal lattice structure.

It has been found that the use of graphene provides for a particularly effective aerosol generating component. Advantageously, upon the formation of hot spots (localised areas of increased temperature, which may occur when part of a heated aerosol generating component dries out in use), the high thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity of graphene is such that the graphene can effectively dissipate heat, reduce temperature variation, and reduce the severity of the hot spots. In turn, the aerosol generating component can be operated at high power levels with a reduced risk of hot spots causing damage to the aerosol generating component. Furthermore, graphene is elastic and therefore compliant to thermal expansion (e.g. of the electrically insulating substrate) in use. Therefore, the aerosol generating component is resistant to degradation due to a difference in thermal coefficient of expansion of the graphene and the electrically insulating substrate 102.

It also has been found that the use of graphene can provide for a reduced battery throughput and thus an extended battery life. Additionally, the use of graphene can provide for reduced battery size requirements and thus improved packaging efficiency, e.g. in terms of cost and space requirements. Further, the use of graphene can facilitate rapid volatilisation of aerosolisable material, which may enhance user experience by reducing the time to generate aerosol in response to a first inhalation (“first puff”) by a user. Moreover, the use of graphene can facilitate consistency between respective inhalations by a user (“puff to puff consistency”). The use of graphene may also provide for certain user experience advantages associated with conventional factory made cigarettes. Where the allotrope of carbon 101 comprises graphene, more than one layer of graphene may be present.

Where more than one layer of graphene 101 is supported on the electrically insulating substrate 102, at least two of the layers of graphene 101 may be non-parallel relative to each other. By “non-parallel”, it is meant that an imaginary plane through one layer of graphene 101 (or an imaginary plane of best-fit through a non-planer layer of graphene 101), is non-parallel relative to an imaginary plane through another layer of graphene 101 (or an imaginary plane of best-fit through the another non-planar layer of graphene 101). In use, the layers of graphene 101 are electrically connected to form a current path. By providing non-parallel layers of graphene, a porous graphene structure can be provided. The combination of porosity and the low surface energy of graphene at typical aerosolisation temperatures is such that aerosolisable material can be effectively distributed across not only the outermost surface of the graphene, but also the bulk structure of the graphene. In effect, aerosolisable material can be provided in intimate contact with an increased surface area of heated material, provided by the graphene layers. This provides for efficient and effective aerosolisation performance.

For example, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least eight, or at least ten of the layers of graphene 101 are non-parallel relative to each other.

Where more than one layer of graphene 101 is supported on the electrically insulating substrate 102, at least two of the layers of graphene 101 may be parallel relative to each other. For example, the allotrope of carbon 101 may be bilayer graphene.

As shown, for example, in Figs. 4A to 4C, some layers of layers of graphene 101 may directly contact the electrically insulating substrate 101 , whereas some layers of graphene 101 may be provided on top of other layers of graphene 101.

It will be understood that other allotropes of carbon 101 are envisaged.

In some preferred embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon. In some preferred embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 is selected from the group comprising disordered graphite, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof.

A Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 101 comprises a G band, and a D band. The Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 101 also comprises a 2D band. In some preferred embodiments, the Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 101 comprises a G band peak within a Raman shift range of about 1500 cm^-1 to about 1650 cm^-1. In such embodiments Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 101 may comprise a D band peak within a Raman shift range of from about 1250 cm^-1 to about 1400 cm^-1. In such embodiments the Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 101 may comprise a 2D band peak within a Raman shift range of from about 2600 cm^-1 to about 2750 cm^-1.

For example, in some preferred embodiments, the Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 101 comprises a G band peak within a Raman shift range of about 1550 cm^-1 to about 1590 cm^-1. In such embodiments the Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 101 may comprise a D band peak within a Raman shift range of from about 1310 cm^-1 to about 1340 cm^-1. In such embodiments the Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 101 may comprise a 2D band peak within a Raman shift range of from about 2620 cm^-1 to about 2680 cm^-1.

A ratio I_D/IG of the intensity ID of the D band peak to the intensity IG of the G band peak may be from about 0.8 to about 2. The ratio ID/IG may be from about 0.9 to about 1.9. The ratio ID/IG may be from about 1 to about 1 .8.

The G band peak may have a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of at from about 30 cm^-1 to about 100 cm^-1. The G band peak may have a FWHM of from about 30 cm^-1 to about 70 cm^-1.

The 2D band may follow a Gaussian curve model or a Lorentzian curve model.

Any of the above features relating to the Raman spectrum may be combined. For example, in some preferred embodiments, a Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 101 comprises a G band, and D band, wherein a G band peak is within a Raman shift range of about 1500 cm’¹ to about 1650 cm^-1, and a D band peak is within a Raman shift range of from about 1250 cm’¹ to about 1400 cm^-1, wherein a ratio ID/IG of the intensity ID of the D band peak to the intensity IG of the G band peak is from about 0.8 to about 2. For example, in some preferred embodiments, a Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon 101 comprises a G band, and D band, wherein a G band peak is within a Raman shift range of about 1550 cm^-1 to about 1590 cm^-1, and a D band peak is within a Raman shift range of from about 1310 cm^-1 to about 1340 cm^-1 , wherein a ratio ID/IG of the intensity ID of the D band peak to the intensity IG of the G band peak is from about 1 to about 1 .8.

For example, in some preferred embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 is porous. For example, in some preferred embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 is formed as a foam. The allotrope of carbon 101 is electrically conductive. Herein, the Raman spectrum may be measured using Raman microspectroscopy. Herein, the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed using a laser wavelength of 638 nm. Herein, the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed using a grating having 1800 grooves/mm. Herein, the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed with a laser power of 10.9 mW. Herein, the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed using an acquisition time of 5 seconds. Herein, the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed using 20 accumulations. Herein, the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed with a confocal pinhole of 300 pm. Herein, the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed at a wavelength range of from about 1000 cm^-1 to about 3000 cm^-1. Herein, the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed with a microscope objective of 50x LWD (long working distance) and 0.8 NA (numerical aperture). Herein, the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed using a Horiba Xplora Plus Raman Microspectrometer. Herein, the Raman microspectroscopy may be performed at 21 °C. Herein, the allotrope of carbon 101 subjected to the Raman microspectroscopy may be unused. That is, the allotrope of carbon 101 has not been used to generate aerosol and/or has not been heated to typical aerosolisation temperatures (post-manufacture of the allotrope of carbon 101).

The present inventors have analysed various allotrope of carbon 101 samples using Raman microspectroscopy.

Each of the allotrope of carbon 101 samples was prepared by laser irradiation of a polyimide (poly(4,4'-oxydiphenylene-pyromellitimide), Kapton® HN, Dupont) substrate 102 (an electrically insulating substrate). Each polyimide substrate had a length of approximately 4.5 mm, a width of about 4.5 mm, and a thickness of about 125 pm, and was shaped as a rectangular prism. This involved irradiating an area of about 4.5 mm by about 2 mm (i.e. about 9 mm²; and rectangular) of each polyimide substrate with a laser beam to form the allotrope of carbon 101. Each of the allotrope of carbon 101 samples was subjected to Raman microspectroscopy. Each of the allotrope of carbon 101 samples was porous and electrically conductive.

Without being bound by theory, Raman spectroscopy is considered as a non-destructive vibrational spectroscopic technique that utilises a laser to excite the bonds within a sample (e.g. carbon) and interprets the inelastic scattering of the bond vibrations as a relative Raman shift. The inelastic scattering from interaction with the sample produces a relative Raman shifts and thereby a spectrum that can be utilised to interpret the characteristics and/or identity of the sample. For characterisation of the allotrope of carbon 101 samples, one can investigate the peak position of the D band which is typically observed at around 1329 cm^-1, the G band which is typically observed at around 1579 cm^-1, and the 2D band which is typically observed at around 2630 cm^-1. The D band can be referred to as the “disorder band” and is an indication of sp³ hybridization of carbon within the sample. The G band can be referred to as the “graphene band” and is utilised to determine the sp² hybridization of the carbon structure within the sample. For example, the Raman spectrum of a pristine graphene sample would typically include a high intensity, narrow G band and no D band. The Raman spectrum of a graphite sample would typically include a G band and a D band, with the D band being lower in intensity than the G band. The I_D/IG ratio can be utilized by determining the counts of the intensity (a.u.) of the D band peak (ID) to the counts of the intensity of the G band peak (IG) and can be used to determine the allotrope of carbon present within the sample. The 2D band can also be utilized by interpreting the area of the curve and peak position to determine the morphology of the allotrope. For example, crystalline graphite would typically exhibit a sharp and narrow peak curve that would follow a Lorentzian curve fit model while the 2D band of a sample including amorphous carbon would typically exhibit broader and flatter band which follows a Gaussian curve fit model. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of a peak also can be used to determine crystallinity within a sample. The FWHM is measured by determining the width of the peak in question at half the total intensity of the sample.

The Raman microspectroscopy involved measuring a Raman spectrum of each of the samples using a Horiba Xplora Plus Raman Microspectrometer and the following parameters: a laser wavelength of 638 nm; a grating having 1800 grooves/mm; an acquisition time of 5 seconds;

20 accumulations (20 spectra); a laser power of 10.9 mW; a confocal pinhole of 300 pm; and a wavelength range of from about 1000 cm^-1 to about 3000 cm^-1.

The Raman microspectroscopy was performed at 21 °C.

The allotrope of carbon 101 samples subjected to Raman microspectroscopy were unused.

The Raman spectrum of each of the allotrope of carbon 101 samples comprised a G band, and D band, wherein a G band peak was within a Raman shift range of about 1550 cm^-1 to about 1590 cm^-1, and a D band peak was within a Raman shift range of from about 1310 cm-¹ to about 1340 cm^-1, wherein a ratio I_D/IG of the intensity ID of the D band peak to the intensity IG of the G band peak was from 1 to 1 .8. The Raman spectrum of each of the allotrope of carbon 101 samples comprised a 2D band peak within a Raman shift range of from about 2620 cm^-1 to about 2680 cm^-1. In the Raman spectrum of each of the allotrope of carbon 101 samples, the G band peak had a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of from about 45 cm^-1 to about 62 cm^-1. In the Raman spectrum of each of the allotrope of carbon 101 samples, the 2D band typically followed a Lorentzian curve fit model.

The Raman spectrum of each of the allotrope of carbon 101 samples indicated that the samples included disordered graphite, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof.

Fig. 24 shows the Raman spectrum of one of the allotrope of carbon 101 samples. The sample was unused. As shown in Fig. 24, a G band peak was observed at about 1573 cm^-1, a D band peak was observed at about 1320 cm^-1 , and a 2D band peak was observed at about 2630 cm’¹. The ratio I_G/ID of the intensity l_G of the G band peak to the intensity ID of the D band peak was about 1.6. The G band peak had a FWHM of about 62 cm^-1. The 2D band followed a Lorentzian curve fit model.

The present inventors have found that the allotrope of carbon 101 comprising disordered graphite, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof provided for a particularly effective aerosol generating component. Such allotropes of carbon 101 were found to effectively dissipate heat, reduce temperature variation, and reduce the severity of any hot spots. Such allotropes of carbon 101 exhibited a low electrical resistance (and high electrical conductivity) that was particularly suited to use in non-combustible aerosol provision systems. Such allotropes of carbon 101 also facilitated effective liquid distribution, e.g. across the surface of and/or within the allotrope of carbon.

The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a thermal conductivity of from 100 Wm’¹k’¹ to 5500 WOT¹k’¹. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a thermal conductivity of from 100 Wm’¹k’¹ to 4000 Wm’¹k’¹. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a thermal conductivity of from 100 Wm’¹k’¹ to 2000 Wm’¹k’¹. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a thermal conductivity of from 150 WOT¹k’¹ to 1000 Wm’¹k’¹. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a thermal conductivity of from 180 Wm’¹k’¹ to 700 Wm’¹k’¹. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a thermal conductivity of from 200 Wm’¹k’¹ to 500 Wm T

The allotrope of carbon 101 may have an electrical conductivity of from 1 Sm^-1 to 2.5x10⁶ Snr¹. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have an electrical conductivity of from 100 Sm^-1 to 1.0x10⁶ Sm’¹. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have an electrical conductivity of from 200 Sm^-1 to 100000 Srrr¹. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have an electrical conductivity of from 400 Snr¹ to 50000 Snr¹. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have an electrical conductivity of from 500 Sm^-1 to 10000 Sm^-1. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have an electrical conductivity of from 600 Sm^-1 to 5000 Sm^-1. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have an electrical conductivity of from 800 Sm^-1 to 3000 Sm^-1. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have an electrical conductivity of from 900 Sm^-1 to 1300 Sm^-1.

The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a non-linear elasticity.

Where the allotrope of carbon 101 comprises graphene, the allotrope of carbon (e.g. the one or more layers of graphene) may comprise or be in the form of three dimensional graphene (which may be referred to as porous graphene or laser-induced graphene (LIG)). Three dimensional graphene may be considered as one or more graphene sheets (or layers) folded back (e.g. on one another) to form a three-dimensional structure. Without being bound by theory, it is believed the interatomic bonds in three dimensional graphene are formed between predominantly sp2-hybridised orbitals and the predominant local coordination of carbon atoms in three dimensional graphene is similar to that in two dimensional graphene, such that two dimensional and three dimensional graphene may have similar electronic properties. Graphene foam (described below) may be considered an example of three dimensional graphene.

In embodiments comprising one or more layers of graphene 101 , the layer or layers may be provided in various forms. For example, the one or more layers of graphene 101 may be formed as a plurality of three-dimensional structures. The three-dimensional graphene structures may be selected from cubes, cuboids, cones, cylinders (e.g. tubes), spheres, pyramids, and/or prisms. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with methods used to produce three-dimensional graphene structures, including (but not limited to) arc discharge, laser ablation, high-pressure carbon monoxide disproportionation, and chemical vapour deposition.

The allotrope of carbon 101 may be formed as a foam. The allotrope of carbon 101 may be formed as an open-cell foam. The allotrope of carbon 101 may comprise a capillary structure. The open-cell foam may comprise the capillary structure.

Examples of forms in which the one or more layers 101 may be provided are shown in Figs. 4A to 4C. As shown in Fig. 4A, the allotrope of carbon (e.g. the one or more layers of graphene) 101 may be formed as an open-cell foam (which may be referred to herein as “graphene foam”; see e.g. High-Resolution Laser-Induced Graphene. Flexible Electronics beyond the Visible Limit; Michael G. Stanford, et al., ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 2020 12 (9), 10902- 10907). The graphene foam may comprise a capillary structure. The graphene foam may be formed by vapour deposition, e.g. chemical vapour deposition. The graphene foam comprises a three-dimensional, open-cell structure through which aerosolisable material can traverse, e.g. by capillary action.

The use of graphene foam has been found to exhibit particularly effective liquid transport (e.g. wicking) properties, e.g. relative to conventional liquid transport materials such as cotton. For example, graphene foam may able to transport (e.g. wick) aerosolisable material at a rate of 3 pL/s (microliters per second).

As shown in Fig. 4B, the allotrope of carbon (e.g. the one or more layers of graphene) 101 may be formed as a plurality of flakes. There may be interstices between the flakes. The interstices between the flakes may provide a capillary structure. Aerosolisable material can traverse the interstices, e.g. by capillary action.

As shown in Fig 4C, the allotrope of carbon (e.g. the one or more layers of graphene) 101 may be formed as a plurality of nanotubes. There may be interstices between the nanotubes. Interstices between the nanotubes and/or the tubular space within the nanotubes may provide a capillary structure. Aerosolisable material can traverse the interstices and/or tubular spaces, e.g. by capillary action.

The allotrope of carbon (e.g. the one or more layers of graphene 101) may be sintered to the substrate 102. Sintering has been found to increase the mechanical strength and/or resistance to damage of the one or more layers of graphene 101.

According to the present disclosure, the allotrope of carbon 101 is supported on an electrically insulating substrate 102. Depending on the nature of the electrically insulating substrate 102 and the arrangement of the allotrope of carbon 101 on the electrically insulating substrate 102, the thickness of the allotrope of carbon 101 may vary. The thickness of the allotrope of carbon 101 is understood to refer to the extent of the allotrope of carbon 101 , measured orthogonally, between the supporting surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102 and an outer surface of the allotrope of carbon 101. The outer surface in this regard refers to a surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 which does not have another layer supported thereon when viewed orthogonally from the supporting surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102. Where the allotrope of carbon 102 includes internal pores, these are effectively ignored for in the measurement of thickness. By way of examples, a first example allotrope of carbon 101 and a second example allotrope of carbon 101 which differ only insofar as the first example allotrope has internal pores and the second example allotrope is non-porous, will have the same thickness. In this regard, the thickness of the allotrope of carbon 101 may refer to the thickness of a single layer or a multi-layer. Those skilled in the art will be aware of suitable methods for measuring the thickness of the allotrope of carbon 101 , e.g. electron microscopy.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of no greater than 500 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of no greater than 400 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of no greater than 300 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of no greater than 200 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of no greater than 100 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of no greater than 80 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of no greater than 60 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of no greater than 50 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of no greater than 30 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of no greater than 20 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of no greater than 10 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of no greater than 5 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of no greater than 1 pm. The thickness of the allotrope of carbon 101 is represented by “t” in Figs. 4A to 4C.

For example, where the allotrope of carbon 101 is present in the form of one layer of graphene, the thickness will have a natural lower limit corresponding to the thickness of a single layer of graphene, which may be 0.345 nm. However, where the allotrope of carbon 101 is present as multiple layers of graphene, the thickness will be greater than 0.345 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of at least 0.7 nm. In some embodiments the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of at least 1 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of at least 2 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of at least 5 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of at least 10 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of at least 20 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 500 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 400 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 300 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 200 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 100 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 80 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 60 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 50 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 40 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 30 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 20 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 10 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 1 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 500 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 200 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 100 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 50 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 20 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 10 nm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 1 pm to 500 pm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 1 pm to 400 pm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 1 pm to 300 pm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 1 pm to 200 pm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 1 pm to 100 pm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 1 pm to 80 pm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 10 pm to 500 pm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 10 pm to 400 pm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 10 pm to 300 pm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 10 pm to 200 pm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 10 pm to 100 pm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 10 pm to 80 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 20 pm to 500 pm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 20 pm to 400 pm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 20 pm to 300 pm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 20 pm to 200 pm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 20 pm to 100 pm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 20 pm to 80 pm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 1 nm to 1 pm.

some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 1 nm to 500 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 1 nm to 200 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 1 nm to 100 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 1 nm to 50 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 1 nm to 20 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 1 nm to 10 nm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 2 nm to 1 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 2 nm to 500 nm.

some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 2 nm to 200 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 2 nm to 100 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 2 nm to 50 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 2 nm to 20 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 2 nm to 10 nm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 5 nm to 1 pm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 5 nm to 500 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 5 nm to 200 nm.

some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 5 nm to 100 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 5 nm to 50 nm.

some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 5 nm to 20 nm. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 has a thickness of from 5 nm to 10 nm.

In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 is supported across at least 50% of the area of a surface 102a (e.g. the first surface) of the electrically insulating substrate 102. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 is supported across at least 70% of the area of the surface 102a of the electrically insulating substrate 102. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 is supported across at least 90% of the area of the surface 102a of the electrically insulating substrate 102. In some embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 is supported across substantially 100% of the area of the surface 102a of the electrically insulating substrate 102.

The surface 102a on which the allotrope of carbon 101 is supported may provide at least 30% of the outer surface area of the electrically insulating substrate 102. The surface 102a on which the allotrope of carbon 101 is supported may provide at least 40% of the outer surface area of the electrically insulating substrate 102. The surface 102a on which the allotrope of carbon 101 is supported may provide at least 45% of the outer surface area of the electrically insulating substrate 102.

In some embodiments, the surface 102a on which the allotrope of carbon 101 is supported is curved.

In some embodiments, the surface 102a on which the allotrope of carbon 101 is supported is substantially planar.

The surface 102a on which the allotrope of carbon 101 is supported may be a major surface. The “major surface” is a surface having the largest (or jointly-largest) area relative to the other surfaces of the electrically insulating substrate 102. For example, the major surface of a rectangular prismatic electrically insulating substrate 102 having a length of 15 cm, a width of 2 cm, and a height of 1 cm, is the surface defined by the length and the width (of which there are two). In each of Figs. 3, 5A, 6A, 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B, the one or more layers of graphene 101 are shown as being supported on the major surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102.

The aerosol generating component 100 may comprise one or more electrodes 103 arranged in electrical contact with the allotrope of carbon 101 . The one or more electrodes 103 may be arranged in direct electrical contact with the allotrope of carbon 101. The one or more electrodes 103 are configured to form an electrical connection with a power source such that electrical power can be delivered to the aerosol generating component 100 (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101).

The aerosol generating component 100 may comprise two electrodes 103, wherein each electrode 103 is arranged in electrical contact with the allotrope of carbon 101. In embodiments having two electrodes 103, one of the electrodes may be arranged towards or at an end of the aerosol generating component 100, and the other of the electrodes 103 may be arranged towards or at the opposite end of the aerosol generating component 100.

The one or more electrodes 103 are made of any suitable electrically conductive material. For example, the one or more electrodes 103 may be selected from copper, silver, or gold.

The one or more electrodes 103 may be sintered to the allotrope of carbon 101 . The sintering may be conducted at a temperature of from 100°C to 300°C, such as from 120°C to 200°C. The sintering may be conducted for a time of from 5 seconds to 5 minutes, such as from 10 seconds to 3 minutes. Those skilled in the art will understand that the sintering conditions may be varied.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the allotrope of carbon 101 is configured such that the contact angle between a droplet of glycerol and a surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 at a temperature of 150°C is no greater than 20 degrees.

The contact angle may be measured using the Wilhelmy plate method. EM, simulation, guniomer. The contact angle may be measured optically. For example, the contact angle may be measured by photography. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with such methods of measuring contact angles.

It will be understood that the “contact angle” is the angle where a liquid-vapour interface meets a solid surface, and that the contact angle quantifies the wettability of the solid surface by the liquid via the Young equation:

Ys = y_Lcos9 + y_SL

Ys is the solid surface tension, YL is the liquid surface tension, and YSL is the solid and liquid boundary tension (the solid-liquid interfacial energy), and Q is the contact angle.

It has been found that when the allotrope of carbon 101 is so configured, in use the aerosolisable material can form a thin layer distributed evenly across the surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 , and the aerosolisable material can be efficiently distributed throughout the bulk structure of the allotrope of carbon 101. Moreover, aerosolisable material can be rapidly distributed across the allotrope of carbon 101 , and volatilised aerosolisable material can be rapidly replenished. Furthermore, the aerosol generating component 100 has a reduced propensity to “dry out”, i.e. a phenomenon by which the aerosol generating component 100 or parts thereof inadvertently become dry because the rate at which aerosolisable material is replenished is less than the rate at which aerosolisable material is volatilised.

The temperature at which the contact angle is measured may refer to the temperature measured at the surface of the allotrope of carbon on which the droplet of glycerol is provided.

The contact angle between a droplet of glycerol and the surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 at a temperature of 150°C may be no greater than 18 degrees. The contact angle between a droplet of glycerol and the surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 at a temperature of 150°C may be no greater than 16 degrees. The contact angle between a droplet of glycerol and the surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 at a temperature of 150°C may be no greater than 14 degrees. The contact angle between a droplet of glycerol and the surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 at a temperature of 150°C may be no greater than 12 degrees. The contact angle between a droplet of glycerol and the surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 at a temperature of 150°C may be no greater than 10 degrees.

The contact angle between a droplet of glycerol and the surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 at a temperature of 20°C may be from 70 degrees to 130 degrees, such as from 80 degrees to 110 degrees.

The allotrope of carbon 101 may comprise one or more dopants.

The one or more dopants may comprise an n-dopant. The n-dopant may be selected from the group consisting of phosphorous and nitrogen.

The one or more dopants may comprise a p-dopant. The p-dopant may be selected from the group consisting of boron and sulfur.

It has been found that the presence of such dopants promotes a reduction in contact angle and therefore improved wettability.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the electrically insulating substrate 102 is elongate and has a length to width ratio of from 5:1 to 50:1. Such a length to width ratio has been found to provide desirable heating performance in use.

For example, the electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a length to width ratio of from 5:1 to 40:1. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a length to width ratio of from 5:1 to 35:1. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a length to width ratio of from 5:1 to 30:1. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a length to width ratio of from 5:1 to 25:1. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a length to width ratio of from 5:1 to 22:1.

For example, the electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a length to width ratio of from 8:1 to 40:1. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a length to width ratio of from

8:1 to 35:1. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a length to width ratio of from

8:1 to 30:1. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a length to width ratio of from

8:1 to 25:1. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a length to width ratio of from

8:1 to 22:1.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the allotrope of carbon 101 comprises an elongate heating surface having a length to width ratio of from 5:1 to 50:1. Such a length to width ratio has been found to provide desirable heating performance in use. In particular, such a length to width ratio has been found to exhibit a desirable aerosolisation rate as well as energy efficiency.

The heating surface may be considered as a portion of the allotrope of carbon 101 which reaches a temperature for aerosolising aerosolisable material in use.

For example, the heating surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length to width ratio of from 5:1 to 40:1 . The heating surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length to width ratio of from 5:1 to 35:1. The heating surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length to width ratio of from 5:1 to 30:1. The heating surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length to width ratio of from 5:1 to 25:1. The heating surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length to width ratio of from 5:1 to 22:1.

For example, the heating surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length to width ratio of from 8:1 to 40:1 . The heating surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length to width ratio of from 8: 1 to 35: 1. The heating surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length to width ratio of from 8:1 to 30:1. The heating surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length to width ratio of from 8:1 to 25:1. The heating surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length to width ratio of from 8:1 to 22:1.

The heating surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 may be substantially planar. Figs. 10A and 10B show the relationship between energy density, efficiency, and mass loss data for aerosol generating components 100 according to the present disclosure. In this particular embodiment, the aerosol generating component 100 traversed an aerosol generating material transfer component which was a reservoir for aerosolisable material (as shown in Figs. 6A and 6B). The aerosol generating component 100 contacted the surface of the aerosolisable material in the reservoir. The energy density indicated the amount of energy per mm² provided by the aerosol generating component 100. The efficiency (crosses in Fig. 10A) corresponded to the amount of energy required by the aerosol generating component 100 to volatilise 1 mg of aerosolisable material, which in this case was aqueous glycerol solution (50 wt.% glycerol). The mass change (loss; circles in Fig. 10A) corresponded to the mass of aerosolisable material that was aerosolised in mg after a heater run time of 20 seconds. The aerosol generating components 100 varied in length and width, and each comprised multiple layers of graphene 101 arranged on a polyimide substrate 102, wherein a plurality of layers of graphene 101 are non-parallel relative to each other. Lower values of efficiency (J/mg) are preferable, and higher values of mass change loss (mg) are preferable.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, at least one elongate aperture 104 extends through the aerosol generating component 100.

An example of such an aerosol generating component 100 is shown in Figs. 7A and 7B.

The at least one aperture increases the edge length and immediate surface area of the aerosol generating component 100 available for contact with aerosol generating material. It has been found that notwithstanding the presence of the at least one aperture, heat is evenly distributed across the aerosol generating component 100 in use. Even heat distribution advantageously provides for consistent aerosolisation and a reduced propensity for the formation of “hot spots”. This is illustrated in Fig. 7B, which is a heat map of the aerosol generating component 100 of Fig. 7A in use, where the aerosol generating component 100 was energised using a power source.

As shown in Figs. 7A and 7B, a plurality of elongate apertures 104 may extend through the aerosol generating component 100. For example, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, or at least six elongate apertures 104 may extend through the aerosol generating component 100. The or each elongate aperture 104 may be linear. Alternatively, the or each elongate aperture may be non-linear. The or each elongate aperture 104 may extend substantially parallel to an axis of the aerosol generating component 100 (e.g. the electrically insulating substrate 102). For example, the or each elongate aperture 104 may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal extent (e.g. the longitudinal axis) of the aerosol generating component 100 (e.g. the electrically insulating substrate 102). For example, the or each elongate aperture 104 may extend substantially parallel to the transverse extent (e.g. the transverse axis) of the aerosol generating component 100 (e.g. the electrically insulating substrate 102).

In embodiments comprising a plurality of elongate apertures 104, the elongate apertures 104 may be arranged side-by-side. In embodiments comprising a plurality of elongate apertures 104, the elongate apertures 104 may be arranged parallel to each other. For example, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, or at least six of the elongate apertures 104 may be arranged parallel to each other, and one or more elongate apertures 104 may be nonparallel thereto.

For example, in the aerosol generating component 100 of Figs. 7A and 7B, the elongate apertures 104 extend parallel to the longitudinal extent (e.g. the longitudinal axis) of the aerosol generating component 100 (the electrically insulating substrate 102), are spaced apart from each other, are arranged side-by-side, and are arranged parallel to each other.

The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a width of from 0.05 mm to 2 mm. The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a width of from 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm. The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a width of from 0.1 mm to 1 mm. The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a width of from 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm. The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a width of from 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm.

The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a length of from 5% to 95% of the length of the aerosol generating component 100. The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a length of from 20% to 95% of the length of the aerosol generating component 100. The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a length of from 40% to 95% of the length of the aerosol generating component 100. The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a length of from 50% to 95% of the length of the aerosol generating component 100. The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a length of from 60% to 95% of the length of the aerosol generating component 100. The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a length of from 70% to 95% of the length of the aerosol generating component 100. The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a length of from 80% to 95% of the length of the aerosol generating component 100. The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a length of from 90% to 95% of the length of the aerosol generating component 100.

The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a length of from 1 mm to 45 mm. The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a length of from 2 mm to 40 mm. The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a length of from 5 mm to 30 mm. The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a length of from 5 mm to 20 mm. The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a length of from 5 mm to 18 mm. The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a length of from 5 mm to 18 mm. The or each elongate aperture 104 may have a length of from 10 mm to 18 mm.

In the aerosol generating component 100 of Figs. 7A and 7B, the aerosol generating component 100 had a length of 20 mm, a width of 1.0 mm, and a total thickness of 0.15 mm, and each elongate aperture 104 had a length of 18 mm and a width of 0.5 mm. In particular, the substrate (polyimide) 102 had a length of 20 mm, a width of 1.0 mm, and a thickness of 0.10 mm (100 pm). The allotrope of carbon (graphene layers, a plurality of the layers being non-parallel relative to each other) 102 covered substantially the entire upper surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102. The allotrope of carbon had a thickness of 0.05 mm (50 pm).

The allotrope of carbon 101 may comprise a first outer edge and a second outer edge. The first outer edge may and the second outer edge may be electrically connected to each other. The first outer edge and the second outer edge may be opposing edges. An electrical pathway may extend between the first outer edge and the second outer edge. The at least one elongate aperture 104 may be provided between the first outer edge and the second outer edge. The at least one elongate aperture 104 may extend in a plane defined by an outer surface of the allotrope of carbon 101 . The at least one elongate aperture 104 may extend through both the allotrope of carbon 101 and the electrically insulating substrate 102.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the aerosol generating component 100 comprises a heating portion 100a. The aerosol generating component 100 may comprise at least one aerosolisable material feed portion 100b. The at least one aerosolisable material feed portion may extend from the heating portion 101. Such an aerosol generating component 100 is shown in Figs. 8A and 8B.

By virtue of the heating portion 100a and the at least one aerosolisable material feed portion 100b, it has been found that the aerosol generating component exhibits improved transfer of aerosolisable material to the aerosol generating component 100 and improved aerosolisation efficiency. That is, the at least one aerosolisable material feed portion 100b effectively transfers aerosolisable material to the heating portion 100a. Moreover, it has been found that when the aerosol generating component 100 is energised there is no significant spread of thermal energy to the at least one aerosolisable material feed portions 100b. This is shown in Fig. 8B, which is a heat map of the aerosol generating component 100 of Fig. 8A in use, where the aerosol generating component 100 was energised to aerosolisation temperature using a power source. Furthermore, the use of the at least one aerosolisable material feed portion 100b to feed aerosolisable material to the heating portion 100a, reduces or prevents the problem of vapour formation between the outer surface of the heating portion and aerosolisable material. This can occur where aerosolisable material is directly fed onto the outer surface of the heating portion and may result in inadvertent ejection of aerosolisable material (e.g. “sputtering” or “spitting”).

As shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, the heating portion 100a may be elongate. For example, the heating portion 100a may be formed as a plate, a strip, or a rod. The heating portion 100a may be linear. Alternatively, the heating portion 100a may be non-linear.

The heating portion 100a may comprise or consist of the allotrope of carbon 101 and the substrate 102. The heating portion 100a may consist of the allotrope of carbon 101.

The heating portion 100a may have a length of from 1 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the heating portion 100a has a length of from 2 mm to 40 mm. In some embodiments, the heating portion 100a has a length of from 5 mm to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the heating portion 100a has a length of from 10 mm to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the heating portion 100a has a length of from 10 mm to 25 mm. In some embodiments, the heating portion 100a has a length of from 10 mm to 20 mm.

The heating portion 100a may have a width of from 0.5 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the heating portion 100a has a width of from 0.5 mm to 20 mm. In some embodiments, the heating portion 100a has a width of 0.5 mm to 10 mm. In some embodiments, the heating portion 100a has a width of from 0.5 mm to 5 mm. In some embodiments, the heating portion 100a has a width of from 1 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the heating portion 100a has a width of from 1 mm to 20 mm. In some embodiments, the heating portion 100a has a width of from 1 mm to 10 mm. In some embodiments, the heating portion 100a has a width of from 1 mm to 5 mm. In some embodiments, the heating portion 100a has a width of from 1 mm to 3 mm.

The aerosol generating component 100 may comprise a plurality (e.g. at least two, three, four, five, or six) aerosolisable material feed portions 100b each extending from the heating portion 100a. As shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, the or each aerosolisable material feed portion 100b may extend from a side of the heating portion 100a. As shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, the or each aerosolisable material feed portion 100b may extend transversely to the longitudinal extent of the heating portion 100a. The or each aerosolisable material feed portion 100b may extend laterally from the heating portion 100a.

The aerosol generating component 100 may be substantially planar. In this way, the heating portion 100a and the at least one aerosolisable material feed portions 100b may be provided in the same plane.

The or each aerosolisable material feed portion 100b may be elongate 100a. For example, the or each aerosolisable material feed portion 100b may be formed as a plate, a strip, or a rod. The or each aerosolisable material feed portion 100b may be linear.

The or each aerosolisable material feed portion 100b may have length to width ratio of from 1 :1 to 5:1. The or each aerosolisable material feed portion 100b may have a width of from 1 to 3 mm. The or each aerosolisable material feed portion 100b may have a length of from 1 to 15 mm.

The or each aerosolisable material feed portion 100b may taper. For example, as shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, the or each aerosolisable material feed portion 100b may taper away from the elongate heating portion 100a.

The at least one aerosolisable material feed portion 100b may be porous. The at least one aerosolisable material feed portion 100b may comprise a capillary material. The at least one aerosolisable material feed portion 100b may have any features of the electrically insulating substrate, as defined herein.

As shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, the heating portion 100a may have a longitudinal extent (e.g. a longitudinal axis). The or each aerosolisable material feed portion 100b may extend obliquely or orthogonally from the longitudinal extent of the heating portion 100a. The heating portion 100a comprises the allotrope of carbon 101 arranged on the electrically insulating substrate 102. The or each aerosolisable material feed portion 100b comprises the electrically insulating substrate 102.

In some embodiments (e.g. in Figs. 7 A, 7B, 8A, and 8B), the at least one aerosolisable material feed portion 100b comprises the allotrope of carbon 101 and the electrically insulating substrate 102. In some embodiment, the at least one aerosolisable material feed portion 100b comprises the electrically insulating substrate 102, e.g. a portion of the electrically insulating substrate 102 on which the allotrope of carbon is not supported (as per Figs. 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B).

In some embodiments, the heating portion 100a and the substrate 102 are integrally formed.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating assembly comprising the aerosol generating component 100 of any aspect of the present disclosure, and an aerosol generating material transfer component 200 for supplying aerosol generating material to the aerosol generating component 100.

Examples of the aerosol generating assembly are shown in Figs. 5A to 6C.

The aerosol generating material transfer component 200 may be for passively supplying the aerosol generating material to the aerosol generating component 100. “Passively supplying” encompasses aerosol generating material transfer components 200 which do not require power to transport the aerosol generating material to the aerosol generating component 100. For example, the aerosol generating material transfer component 200 may comprise a porous structure. For example, the aerosol generating material transfer component 200 may comprise a capillary structure. Capillary structures have been found to be particularly effective for transfer of aerosolisable material to the aerosol generating component 101.

As shown in Figs. 5A to 5C, the aerosol generating material transfer component 200 may comprise at least one capillary channel 201 having an outlet 202. The outlet 202 may be arranged adjacent to the aerosol generating component 100 (e.g. the one or more layers of graphene 101 and/or the substrate 102), such that aerosolisable material exiting the outlet 202 directly contacts the aerosol generating component. In the orientation shown in Figs. 5A to 5C, the outlet 202 is arranged to supply aerosol generating material from above or alongside the aerosol generating component 100 to the aerosol generating component 100, with respect to gravity. As shown in Figs. 5A to 5C, the (or each) capillary channel 201 may be formed by a first layer (e.g. a cover layer) 203 and a second layer (e.g. a base layer) 204. In Figs. 5A to 5B, the first layer 203 and the second layer 204 are spaced apart by approximately 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm (although the spacing may be varied). The outlet 202 of the capillary channel 201 may be provided at a terminal end of the first layer 203 and second layer 204, proximal the aerosol generating component 100 (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101 and/or the substrate 102). The at least one capillary channel 201 can be provided in various forms. The or each capillary channel 101 may comprise a groove or a conduit. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating component may comprise a plurality of capillary channels (each of which may independently comprise any features of the capillary channel described herein).

The first layer 203 may be formed of any one of plastic, glass, paper, and ceramic. The first layer 203 may be non-porous. The second layer 204 may be formed of any one of plastic, glass, paper, and ceramic. The second layer 204 may be non-porous. In Figs. 5A and 5B each of the first and second layers 203, 204 is formed of glass.

As shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, the aerosol generating material transfer component 200 may comprise a reservoir 210. For example, the aerosol generating component 100 may traverse the reservoir 210. In the orientation shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, the reservoir 210 is arranged to supply aerosol generating material from below the aerosol generating component 100 to the aerosol generating component 100, with respect to gravity. The reservoir 210 may be configured to comprise an amount of aerosolisable material such that aerosolisable material directly contacts the aerosol generating component 100 (e.g. the one or more layers of graphene 101), e.g. an outer surface thereof, particularly the surface provided by the one or more layers of graphene 101.

The aerosol generating assembly may comprise a movement mechanism (not shown in the figures) for moving (e.g. raising or lowering) the aerosol generating component 100, so as to maintain direct contact between the aerosol generating component 100 and any aerosolisable material in the reservoir 210. The movement mechanism may be automatically controlled by a controller.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, at least one aperture 105 extends through the electrically insulating substrate 102. Examples of aerosol generating assemblies including such an aerosol generating component 100 are shown in Figs. 11 A, 12A, and 13A. An example aerosol generating assembly and aerosol generating component 100 are schematically depicted in Figs. 15B and 15C. An example aerosol generating component 100 is schematically depicted in Fig. 16. Only certain apertures 105 are shown in the figures. It will be appreciated that other apertures (not shown) may be present.

The use of the at least one aperture 105 has been found to facilitate effective delivery of aerosolisable material to the allotrope of carbon 101. In particular, aerosolisable material can be delivered from the surface of the substrate 102 opposite from the surface on which the allotrope of carbon 101 is supported, through the at least one aperture 105, to the allotrope of carbon 101. In this way, the aerosolisable material delivered through the at least one aperture can spread across the allotrope of carbon 101 , while the allotrope of carbon 101 can be shielded from the bulk aerosolisable material by the substrate 102. In this way, thermal losses are reduced and aerosolisation efficiency is improved. In embodiments where the allotrope of carbon 101 comprises one or more layers of graphene, particularly high performance can be observed. Without being bound by theory, it is considered that the high wettability of graphene (particularly as the graphene is heated), combined with the delivery of aerosolisable material through the at least one aperture, facilitates the spreading of a thin layer of aerosolisable material across the graphene, while the graphene can be shielded from the bulk aerosolisable material by the substrate 102. In such an arrangement, aerosolisation is particularly efficient.

In each of Figs. 11 A, 12A, and 13A, the allotrope of carbon 101 was multiple layers of graphene 101 formed as a foam (i.e. graphene foam). A plurality of the layers of graphene 101 were non-parallel relative to each other. The layers of graphene 101 were arranged on a polyimide substrate 102. In each of these embodiments, the allotrope of carbon 101 had a thickness of from 40 to 50 pm, and the substrate 102 had a thickness of from 125 to 130 pm. It will be appreciated that the thickness of the allotrope of carbon 101 and the thickness of the substrate 102 may be varied.

The electrically insulating substrate 102 may be thermally insulating. For example, the electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a thermal conductivity of no greater than 5 WOT¹k’¹. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a thermal conductivity of no greater than 3 Wm’¹k’¹. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a thermal conductivity of no greater than 2 Wm’¹k’¹. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a thermal conductivity of no greater than 1 Wm’¹k’¹. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a thermal conductivity of no greater than 0.5 Wm’¹k’¹. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a thermal conductivity of no greater than 0.2 Wm’¹k’¹. The electrically insulating substrate 102 may have a thermal conductivity of no greater than 0.1 Wm’¹k’¹. The use of a substrate 102 which is thermally insulating helps to reduce thermal losses and thereby improve efficiency.

The electrically insulating substrate 102 may be non-porous. The use of a non-porous substrate 102 can facilitate controlled delivery of aerosolisable material to the allotrope of carbon 101 through only the at least one aperture 105, and helps to reduce thermal losses and thereby improve efficiency.

The electrically insulating substrate 102 may be substantially planar. As shown in Figs. 15A and 15B, the electrically insulating substrate 102 may comprise a first surface 102a and a second surface 102b, the first surface 102a and the second surface 102b being opposite from each other, and the allotrope of carbon 101 being supported on the first surface 102a (as shown in Figs. 11A, 12A, and 13A). The at least one aperture 105 extends from the first surface 102a to the second surface 102b. That is, the at least one aperture 105 extends through the extent of the substrate 102 in the manner of a through hole. Each of the first surface 102a and the second surface 102b may extend in the plane of the electrically insulating substrate 102.

The or each of the at least one aperture 105 may be within the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102 (as in Figs. 11 A, 12A, 13A, 15A, 15B, and 16). For example, the or each of the at least one aperture may define a closed shape (as in Figs. 11 A, 12A, 13A, 15A, 15B, and 16).

It has been found that by varying the size of the at least one aperture, the rate of delivery of aerosolisable material can be adjusted. The or each of the at least one aperture may have a diameter of no greater than 500 pm. The or each of the at least one aperture may have a diameter of no greater than 400 pm. The or each of the at least one aperture may have a diameter of no greater than 300 pm. The or each of the at least one aperture may have a diameter of no greater than 250 pm. The or each of the at least one aperture may have a diameter of at least 10 pm. The or each of the at least one aperture may have a diameter of at least 20 pm. The or each of the at least one aperture may have a diameter of at least 50 pm. The or each of the at least one aperture may have a diameter of at least 100 pm. The or each of the at least one aperture may have a diameter of at least 150 pm. For example, in Fig. 11 A, each aperture 105 had a diameter of around 200 pm, as determined by optical microscopy, as indicated in Fig. 11C). In Figs. 12A and 13A, the diameter of each aperture 105 was also around 200 pm. It will be appreciated that other forms of microscopy, such as electron, x-ray, and scanning probe, may be used to determine the diameter of the or each aperture 105.

The number of apertures 105 may be varied. For example, in each of Figs. 11A and 12A, a plurality of spaced apart apertures were provided along the length and width of the substrate 102. In Fig. 13A, a plurality (e.g. two) spaced apart apertures were provided along the width of the substrate 102.

The at least one aperture 105 may comprise a plurality of the apertures 105. That is, the aerosol generating component 100 may comprise a plurality of apertures 105 each extending through the electrically insulating substrate 102. The plurality of apertures 105 may each extend from the first surface 102a to the second surface 102b. The plurality of apertures 105 may be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of apertures 105 may comprise at least three apertures.

The plurality of apertures 105 may form an array, or a two-dimensional pattern. For example, the plurality of apertures 105 may form an array or a two dimensional pattern across the first surface 102a and/or the second surface 102b.

The at least one aperture 105 may take a variety of forms. In some embodiments, the at least one aperture 105 comprises at least one slot. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 105 comprises a plurality of slots (e.g. at least three slots). In some embodiments, the at least one aperture 105 comprises at least one hole. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 105 comprises a plurality of holes (e.g. at least three holes). In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 105 comprises at least one slot and at least one hole. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 105 comprises a plurality of slots (e.g. at least three slots) and at least one hole. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 105 comprises at least one slot and a plurality of holes (e.g. at least three holes). In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures 105 comprises a plurality of slots (e.g. at least three slots) and a plurality of holes (e.g. at least three holes).

The provision of at least one slot 105 has been found to facilitate effective delivery of aerosolisable material to the allotrope of carbon 101 . Specifically, the provision of at least one slot 105 has been found to improve the wicking potential of the allotrope of carbon 101 , and thereby facilitate a steady supply of aerosol generating material to the allotrope of carbon 101 . These advantages are particularly apparent in which the allotrope of carbon 101 is formed as a foam and/or exhibits a high rate of aerosol generation in use. It will be understood that a slot may define an elongated opening, whereas a hole may define an opening having similar length and width measurements (e.g. approximately 1 :1).

The or each slot 105 may define an opening having a width of no greater than 500 pm. The or each slot 105 may define an opening having a width of no greater than 400 pm. The or each slot 105 may define an opening having a width of no greater than 300 pm. The or each slot 105 may define an opening having a width of no greater than 250 pm. The or each slot 105 may define an opening having a width of at least 10 pm. The or each slot 105 may define an opening having a width of at least 2 pm. The or each slot 105 may define an opening having a width of at least 50 pm. The or each slot 105 may define an opening having a width of at least 100 pm. The or each slot 105 may define an opening having a width of at least 150 pm.

The or each slot 105 may define an opening having a length to width ratio of at least 2:1 . The or each slot 105 may define an opening having a length to width ratio of at least 3:1. The or each slot 105 may define an opening having a length to width ratio of at least 4:1. The or each slot 105 may define an opening having a length to width ratio of at least 5: 1 . The or each slot

105 may define an opening having a length to width ratio of at least 6:1. The or each slot 105 may define an opening having a length to width ratio of at least 8:1. The or each slot 105 may define an opening having a length to width ratio of at least 10:1. The or each slot 105 may define an opening having a length to width ratio of at least 20:1. The or each slot 105 may define an opening having a length to width ratio of at least 50:1. The or each slot 105 may define an opening having a length to width ratio of at least 80:1. The or each slot 105 may define an opening extending between opposing sides of the electrically insulating substrate

102.

The or each slot 105 may extend through a plane through the electrically insulating substrate 102. The or each slot 105 may divide the electrically insulating substrate 102.

The or each hole 105 may have a diameter of no greater than 500 pm. The or each hole 105 may have a diameter of no greater than 400 pm. The or each hole 105 may have a diameter of no greater than 300 pm. The or each hole 105 may have a diameter of no greater than 250 pm. The or each hole 105 may have a diameter of at least 10 pm. The or each hole 105 may have a diameter of at least 20 pm. The or each hole 105 may have a diameter of at least 50 pm. The or each hole 105 may have a diameter of at least 100 pm. The or each hole 105 may have a diameter of at least 150 pm. The plurality of slots 105 may be arranged side-by-side. The plurality of slots 105 may be arranged in parallel.

Where the aerosol generating component 100 comprises two electrodes 103, the slots 105 may be angled (or orthogonal) with respect to an imaginary straight line extending between the two electrodes 103. Alternatively, the slots 105 may be parallel with respect to an imaginary straight line extending between the two electrodes 103.

Figs. 20 to 23 illustrate embodiments having a plurality of slots 105. As shown in the embodiment of Figs. 20, 21 , and 23, the slots 105 are spaced apart from each other, and arranged side-by-side and in parallel with each other, and each of the slots is orthogonal with respect to an imaginary straight line extending between the two electrodes 103 (the location of the electrodes 103 is indicated in Fig. 20, though the electrodes 103 are not shown). As shown in the embodiment of Figs. 20 and 22, the slots 105 are spaced apart from each other, and arranged side-by-side and in parallel with each other, and each of the slots is parallel with respect to an imaginary straight line extending between the two electrodes 103 (the location of the electrodes 103 is indicated in Fig. 20, though the electrodes 103 are not shown). The aerosol generating components 100 in the embodiments of Figs. 20 to 23 are substantially sheet-like or substantially planar.

The allotrope of carbon 101 rr ay be supported on at least 503 'o of the first surface 102a. The allotrope of carbon 101 may be supported on at least 60% of the first surface 102a The allotrope of carbon 101 may be supported on at least 70% of the first surface 102a The allotrope of carbon 101 may be supported on at least 80% of the first surface 102a. The allotrope of carbon 101 may be supported on at least 90% of the first surface 102a. The allotrope of carbon 101 may b e supported on substantially 10C )% of the first surface 102a.

As discussed herein, the electrically insulating substrate 102 may be substantially planar. The or each aperture 105 may extend through the plane of the electrically insulating substrate 102. The or each aperture 105 may extend through the electrically insulating substrate 102 orthogonal to the plane of the electrically insulating substrate 102.

The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter of an aperture 105 of the at least one aperture and any edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be no greater than 2 mm. The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter of an aperture 105 of the at least one aperture and any edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be no greater than 1 mm. The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter of an aperture 105 of the at least one aperture and any edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be no greater than 0.8 mm. The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter of an aperture 105 of the at least one aperture and any edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be no greater than 0.5 mm. The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter of an aperture 105 of the at least one aperture and any edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be no greater than 0.4 mm.

The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter of an aperture 105 of the at least one aperture and any edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be greater than zero. The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter of an aperture 105 of the at least one aperture and any edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be at least 0.1 mm.

The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter of an aperture 105 of the at least one aperture and an edge defined by the perimeter of any other aperture 105 of the at least one aperture, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be no greater than 2 mm. The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter of an aperture 105 of the at least one aperture and an edge defined by the perimeter of any other aperture 105 of the at least one aperture, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be no greater than 1 mm. The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter of an aperture 105 of the at least one aperture and an edge defined by the perimeter of any other aperture 105 of the at least one aperture, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be no greater than 0.8 mm. The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter of an aperture 105 of the at least one aperture and an edge defined by the perimeter of any other aperture 105 of the at least one aperture, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be no greater than 0.5 mm. The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter of an aperture 105 of the at least one aperture and an edge defined by the perimeter of any other aperture 105 of the at least one aperture, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be no greater than 0.4 mm.

The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter of an aperture 105 of the at least one aperture and an edge defined by the perimeter of any other aperture 105 of the at least one aperture, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be greater than zero. The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter of an aperture 105 of the at least one aperture and an edge defined by the perimeter of any other aperture 105 of the at least one aperture, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be at least 0.1 mm.

The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102 and any other edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be no greater than 2 mm. The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102 and any other edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be no greater than 1 mm. The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102 and any other edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be no greater than 0.8 mm. The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102 and any other edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be no greater than 0.5 mm. The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102 and any other edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be no greater than 0.4 mm.

The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102 and any other edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be greater than zero. The distance between an edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102 and any other edge defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, may be at least 0.1 mm. The surface along which the distance is measured may be the surface of the electrically insulating substrate on which the allotrope of carbon 101 is supported. The surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102 on which the allotrope of carbon is supported may be referred to as the “supporting surface”. The surface along which the distance is measured may be the first surface 102a.

The above concepts are illustrated in Fig. 16. That is, Fig. 16 shows the distance d1 , d2, d3 between respective edges e1 , e2, e3, e4 of the electrically insulating substrate 102 along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102. As set out above, no distance between respective edges along said surface may be greater than a particular value. Fig. 16 shows: the distance d1 between an edge e2 defined by the perimeter of an aperture 105 and an edge e1 defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate; the distance d2 between an edge e1 defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102 and an edge e3 defined by the perimeter (e.g. outer perimeter) of the electrically insulating substrate 102; and the distance d3 between an edge e2 defined by the perimeter of an aperture 105 and an edge e4 defined by the perimeter of another aperture 105.

It has been discovered that tuning the distance along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate 102, between respective edges of the electrically insulating substrate 102, can improve aerosolisation performance by improving efficiency, and/or reducing or preventing “dry out” and/or degradation of the aerosol generating component 100. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that reducing said distance between respective edges means aerosolisable material can be evenly distributed across the allotrope of carbon 101. Put another way, if said distance is too great, the aerosolisable material is vaporised before reaching certain areas of the allotrope of carbon 101 , which reduces efficiency and may result in the formation of hot spots in such areas.

The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length of no greater than 25 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length of at least 0.5 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length of at least 15 mm.

The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a width of no greater than 6 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a width of no greater than 5 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a width of no greater than 4 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a width of no greater than 3 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a width of no greater than 2 mm. The allotrope of carbon may have a width of at least 0.5 mm.

For example, as to Fig. 11 A, the allotrope of carbon 101 had a length of around 19.5 mm and a width of around 1.7 mm (see “Graphene foam with holes (cut-down)” in Fig. 14A).

The contact area between the allotrope of carbon 101 and the substrate 102 may define an outer perimeter. The substrate 102 may extend from the outer perimeter. An imaginary line may extend from a portion of the outer perimeter to an opposing portion of the outer perimeter along the contact area. The substrate 102 may axially extend from the imaginary line by no greater than 100% of the length of the imaginary line. The substrate 102 may axially extend from the imaginary line by no greater than 80% of the length of the imaginary line. The substrate 102 may axially extend from the imaginary line by no greater than 60% of the length of the imaginary line. The substrate 102 may axially extend from the imaginary line by no greater than 5 mm. The substrate 102 may axially extend from the imaginary line by no greater than 4 mm. The substrate 102 may axially extend from the imaginary line by no greater than 3 mm. The substrate 102 may axially extend from the imaginary line by no greater than 2 mm. In Fig. 11A, the substrate extended from the imaginary line by around 1 mm. Such dimensions help to direct aerosolisable material towards the allotrope of carbon 101 and to reduce pooling of aerosolisable material in the vicinity of the second surface 102b. In some embodiments, when the aerosol generating component 100 is viewed orthogonal to the surface (or planar surface) of the substrate 102 on which the allotrope of carbon is supported, the substrate 102 may extend from the allotrope of carbon 101. The extension may be no greater than 5 mm. The extension may be no greater than 4 mm. The extension may be no greater than 3 mm. The extension may be no greater than 2 mm. In Fig. 11 A, the extension was around 1 mm. Such dimensions help to channel aerosolisable material towards the allotrope of carbon 101 and to reduce pooling of aerosolisable material in the vicinity of the second surface 102b.

One or more electrodes 103 may be arranged in electrical contact with the allotrope of carbon 101. Each of the one or more electrodes 103 may comprise or be formed of copper, silver, or gold. In Fig. 11A, a respective electrode 103 was arranged in electrical contact with a respective end of the allotrope of carbon 101 , and each electrode 103 was a screen printed copper electrode. In Fig. 11A, each electrode 103 covered a portion of the length of the allotrope of carbon 101. The lengths in Fig. 14A do not include the length covered by the electrodes. In this regard, herein, the allotrope of carbon 101 may be regarded as an allotrope of carbon 101 that is suitable for generating aerosol from aerosolisable material. In Fig. 11A, the resistance of the allotrope of carbon 101 , measured at room temperature between the electrodes 103, was 200 Q.

Referring to the schematics of Fig. 15A and 15B, the assembly may comprise a first channel 106 (alternatively numbered 201) extending to the at least one aperture 105. The first channel 106 may be a capillary channel. In this way, the first channel 106 may be configured to deliver aerosolisable material to the at least one aperture 105 by capillary action. The first channel 106 may be at least partially formed by the second surface 102b. The assembly may comprise a structure 107a, 107b, 107c. The second surface 102b and at least part of the structure (e.g. a section of the structure 107a) may define the first channel 106. The second surface 102b and at least a portion of the structure (e.g. the section of the structure 107a) may be spaced apart from each other so as to at least partially define the first channel 106. For example, the structure may comprise a central section 107a arranged between one or more (e.g. two) outer sections 107b, 107c. The substrate 102 may be supported on the structure 107a, 107b, 107b. For example, the substrate 102 may be supported on one or more portions of the structure, such as the outer sections 107b, 107c. The structure, or any sections thereof, may be made of any materials from which the substrate 102 may be made, as defined herein. The structure may at least partially define one or more reservoirs 108 (or alternatively numbered 210) for aerosolisable material. The reservoir(s) 108 may be adjacent to the channel 106.

The first channel 106 may have a height of no greater than 2 mm. The first channel 106 may have a height of no greater than 1 mm. The first channel 106 may have a height of no greater than 0.5 mm.

The first channel 106 may have a height of no greater than 2 mm. The first channel 106 may have a height of no greater than 1 mm. The first channel 106 may have a height of no greater than 0.8 mm. The first channel 106 may have a height of no greater than 0.5 mm.

The assembly may be configured such that aerosolisable material can only be transferred to the allotrope of carbon 101 by flowing through the first channel 106 and the at least one aperture 105.

In Fig. 11A the structure 107 comprised a glass central section and two plastic outer sections. In use, aerosolisable material in the reservoir 108 flow through the channel 106 (which was a capillary channel), through the at least one aperture 105, and to the allotrope of carbon 101. Fig. 11 B shows a plot of efficiency (J/mg; square data points) and volatilisation rate (mg/s; circular data points) as a function of energy applied (J) in respect of the assembly of Fig. 11 A. The energy applied was the energy applied to the allotrope of carbon 101 and was set at different values by varying current. The aerosolisable material included 50 wt.% VG and 50 wt.% water (based on the weight of the aerosolisable material).

With reference to Fig. 11 B, 300mA (52J of energy applied) provided the best performance. At this power level (around 17.3 W), the energy efficiency was around 2 J/mg and the volatilisation rate was around 9 mg/s (27 mg aerosolised over the 3s run).

The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length of no greater than 12 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length of at least 0.5 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length of at least 7 mm.

The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a width of no greater than 6 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a width of no greater than 5 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a width of no greater than 4 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a width of no greater than 3 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a width of no greater than 2 mm. The allotrope of carbon may have a width of at least 0.5 mm.

For example, as to Fig. 12A, the allotrope of carbon 101 had a length of around 9.5 mm and a width of around 1.7 mm (see “Graphene foam with holes (cut-down, shortened)” in Fig. 14A).

In Fig. 12A, a respective electrode 103 was arranged in electrical contact with a respective end of the allotrope of carbon 101 . One electrode 103 was a screen printed copper electrode and the other electrode was a silver epoxy electrode (it will be understood that the electrode material may be varied). In Fig. 12A, each electrode covered a portion of the length of the allotrope of carbon 101 .

In Fig. 12A, the resistance of the allotrope of carbon 101 , measured at room temperature between the electrodes, was 53 Q. The assembly of Fig. 12A includes a capillary channel 106 and a structure 107a, 107b, 107c, in a similar manner to those described in relation to Fig. 11A.

Fig. 12B shows a plot of efficiency (J/mg; square data points) and volatilisation rate (mg/s; circular data points) as a function of energy applied (J) in respect of the assembly of Fig. 12A. The energy applied was the energy applied to the allotrope of carbon 101 and was set at different values by varying current. The aerosolisable material included 50 wt.% VG and 50 wt.% water (based on the weight of the aerosolisable material). The circled data points were considered anomalies.

With reference to Fig. 12B, 600mA (56J of energy applied) provided the best performance. At this power level (approximately 18.7 W), the energy efficiency was around 1.7 J/mg and the volatilisation rate was around 11 mg/s (around 33 mg aerosolised over the 3s run).

The present inventors identified that the centre of the allotrope of carbon 101 had a propensity to dry out at the end of each run. The reservoir 108 had a capacity of around 65 mg. The present inventors had found that the use of larger reservoirs could potentially cause pooling of aerosolisable material on the allotrope of carbon 101 , resulting in bubbling and lower efficiency.

The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length of no greater than 6 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length of no greater than 5 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length of no greater than 4 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length of no greater than 3 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length of no greater than 2 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a length of at least 0.5 mm. The allotrope of carbon may have a width of at least 1 mm. The allotrope of carbon may have a width of at least 1 .3 mm.

The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a width of no greater than 6 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a width of no greater than 5 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a width of no greater than 4 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a width of no greater than 3 mm. The allotrope of carbon 101 may have a width of no greater than 2 mm. The allotrope of carbon may have a width of at least 0.5 mm. The allotrope of carbon may have a width of at least 1 mm. The allotrope of carbon may have a width of at least 1 .3 mm.

For example, as to Fig. 13A, the allotrope of carbon 101 had a length of around 1.8 mm and a width of around 1.7 mm (see “Graphene foam with holes (square)” in Fig. 14A).

In Fig. 13A, a respective electrode 103 was arranged in electrical contact with a respective end of the allotrope of carbon 101 . Each electrode corresponded to a silver epoxy electrode. In Fig. 13A, each electrode covered a portion of the length of the allotrope of carbon 101.

In Fig. 13A, the resistance of the allotrope of carbon 101 , measured at room temperature between the electrodes 103, was 13 Q. The assembly of Fig. 12A included a capillary channel 106 and a structure 107a, 107b, 107c, in a similar manner to those described in relation to Fig. 11 A.

Fig. 13B shows a plot of efficiency (J/mg; square data points) and volatilisation rate (mg/s; circular data points) as a function of energy applied (J) in respect of the assembly of Fig. 13A. The energy applied was the energy applied to the allotrope of carbon 101 and was set at different values by varying current. The aerosolisable material included 50 wt.% VG and 50 wt.% water (based on the weight of the aerosolisable material).

With reference to Fig. 13B, 500mA (13.7J of applied energy; 4.6W of power) resulted in an energy efficiency of around 1.78 J/mg and a volatilisation rate of 2.6 around mg/s. 600mA (19.2J of applied energy; 6.4W of power) resulted in an energy efficiency of 1.69 J/mg and a volatilisation rate of 3.8 mg/s. The assembly in Fig. 13A showed stable performance and was suitable for repeated use. Fig. 13B indicates that the Fig. 13A assembly can provide particularly desirable aerosolisation performance (e.g. in terms of volatilisation rate and efficiency) in the context of a non-combustible aerosol provision system.

The or each of the at least one aperture 105 may extend through the allotrope of carbon 101. The allotrope of carbon 101 may extend over the perimeter of the or each of the at least one aperture 105. For example, the allotrope of carbon 101 may partially (or at least partially, or completely) cover the or each of the at least one aperture 105. Such configurations help to draw aerosolisable material from the at least one aperture 105 onto and/or through the allotrope of carbon 101 . For example, where the allotrope of carbon 101 comprises graphene, the high wettability of graphene has been found particularly effective at helping to draw aerosolisable material from the at least one aperture 105.

Fig. 14A compares the test data of various embodiments according to the present disclosure, wherein:

Each of “Supported bridge 20 x 0.5”, “Supported bridge 20 x 1”, “Supported bridge 20 x 2”, and “Supported bridge 20 x 3” corresponds to an assembly comprising graphene foam (an allotrope of carbon) supported on the upper surface of a polyimide substrate, the polyimide substrate having a thickness of 125 to 130 pm, and the graphene foam having a thickness of 40 to 50 pm. The length and width of each assembly are indicated in Fig. 14A.

“Graphene foam with holes (cut-down)” corresponds to the assembly of Fig. 11A. Graphene foam with holes (cut-down, shortened)” corresponds to the assembly of Fig. 12A.

Graphene foam with holes (square) at 500mA” corresponds to the assembly of Fig. 13A.

“Graphene foam with holes (square) at 600mA” corresponds to the assembly of Fig. 13A.

The supported bridge examples were each tested for a run time of 20 seconds, whereas the other examples were each tested for a run time of 3 seconds (as discussed above).

For the supported bridge examples, energy efficiency decreased as a function of increased power density. The circled data point in Fig. 14B is considered an anomaly. For the assemblies of Figs. 11 A, 12A, and 13A, energy efficiency remained fairly constant as a function of increased power density.

As indicated in Fig. 14B, the assemblies of Figs. 13A were energy efficiency and exhibited excellent aerosolisation performance. In Fig. 14B the “supported bridge” data points are represented by the squares and the “graphene foam with holes” data points are represented by circles.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an assembly for use as part of a noncombustible aerosol provision system, the assembly comprising an aerosol generating component 101 , and at least one pathway 301 , 30T, 301”, 30T”, 301”” leading to the aerosol generating component, the or each of the at least one pathway 301 (etc.) being configured to transfer aerosolisable material towards the aerosol generating component 301 using electrowetting. The assembly may have any features according to any other aspect of the present disclosure.

Electrowetting may be defined as the decrease in contact angle between a solid and a liquid when a sufficiently large driving voltage is applied to the solid-liquid interface (see Kim, JH., Lee, JH., Mirzaei, A. et al. Electrowetting-on-dielectric characteristics of ZnO nanorods. Sci Rep 10, 14194 (2020)). In “direct electrowetting”, a voltage is applied between a liquid and an electrode. Charges and dipoles redistribute at the interface between the liquid and the solid, which changes the surface tension of the liquid, and leads to a decrease in the contact angle of the liquid. Direct electrowetting can, however, electrolyse the liquid before any change in the liquid contact angle, which may be undesirable. To address this issue, “electrowetting-on- dielectric” (EWOD) may be used. In EWOD, a dielectric material is sandwiched between the liquid and the electrode. EWOD is effective for significantly changing the contact angle of the liquid, because the dielectric layer effectively blocks the process of charge transfer at the liquid/electrode interface, and thereby eliminates inadvertent electrolysis.

It has been found that electrowetting can be used to precisely control the flow rate (e.g. mass or volumetric) of aerosol generating material, in the context of a non-combustible aerosol provision system. In particular, the present inventors have configured electrowetting technology in an assembly for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, so as to provide a means of controlling the flow rate of aerosol generating material towards an aerosol generating component of the assembly. The ability to precisely control the flow rate facilitates the provision of an efficient non-combustible aerosol provision system which exhibits desirable aerosolisation performance. For example, the flow rate may be adjusted to substantially match the maximum volatilisation rate of the aerosolisable material. For example, where power is supplied to the aerosol generating component using pulse width modulation (or at a duty cycle of less than 100%), the flow rate may be adjusted so that aerosolisable material is transferred (e.g. sequentially in the form of one or more droplets) into contact with the aerosol generating component at particular periods of the pulse width modulation (or duty cycle). For example, the flow rate may be adjusted so that one or more droplets of aerosolisable material are sequentially transferred to the aerosol generating component such that each droplet contacts the aerosol generating component during a power-on period of the period of the pulse width modulation. For example, the flow rate may be adjusted so that one or more droplets of aerosolisable material are sequentially transferred to the aerosol generating component such that aerosolisable material is not transferred into contact with the aerosol generating component during a power-off period of the pulse width modulation. Pulse width modulation is described in more detail below.

The or each of the at least one pathway 301 may be configured to transfer one or more droplets of aerosolisable material towards the aerosol generating component 101 using electrowetting.

The or each of the at least one pathway 301 may be configured to sequentially transfer one or more droplets of aerosolisable material towards the aerosol generating component 101 using electrowetting. That is, the droplets may be transferred one-by-one towards the aerosol generating component 101 using electrowetting.

The or each droplet may have a mass of from 0.045 mg to 1.30 mg. For example, the or each droplet may have a mass of from 0.060 mg to 1 .00 mg. For example, the or each droplet may have a mass of from 0.080 mg to 0.80 mg. For example, the or each droplet may have a mass of from 0.090 mg to 0.60 mg. For example, the or each droplet may have a mass of from 0.10 mg to 0.40 mg. For example, the or each droplet may have a mass of around 0.25 mg.

The or each droplet may have a volume of from 0.05 pL to 1.30 pL. For example, the or each droplet may have a volume of from 0.060 pL to 1.00 pL. For example, the or each droplet may have a volume of from 0.080 pL to 0.80 pL. For example, the or each droplet may have a volume of from 0.090 pL to 0.60 pL. For example, the or each droplet may have a volume of from 0.10 pL to 0.40 pL. For example, the or each droplet may have a volume of around 0.25 pL.

The aerosolisable material may be transferred at a flow rate of from 0.2 pL/s to 20 pL/s. The aerosolisable material may be transferred at a flow rate of from 0.4 pL/s to 10 pL/s. The aerosolisable material may be transferred at a flow rate of from 0.6 pL/s to 5.0 pL/s. The aerosolisable material may be transferred at a flow rate of from 1.0 pL/s to 3.0 pL/s. The aerosolisable material may be transferred at a flow rate of from 1.5 pL/s to 2.5 pL/s. For example, the aerosolisable material may be transferred at a flow rate of around 2.1 pL/s. Various flow rates are envisaged.

Example assemblies according to the present disclosure are shown in Figs. 17A to 19C.

Referring to Figs. 17A to 17C, the pathway 301 leads to the aerosol generating component 101 , and is configured to transfer aerosolisable material towards the aerosol generating component 101 using electrowetting. In particular, the pathway 301 is configured to sequentially transfer one or more droplets of aerosolisable material towards the aerosol generating component 101 using electrowetting.

The aerosol generating component 101 may comprise an allotrope of carbon 101. The allotrope of carbon 101 may be as defined in relation to any other aspect of the present disclosure. For example, the allotrope of carbon 101 may comprise graphene. For example, the allotrope of carbon 101 may comprise one or more layers of graphene. For example, the allotrope of carbon 101 (e.g. the one or more layers of graphene) may comprise or be in the form of three dimensional graphene. When there are more than one layers of graphene, at least two of the layers may be non-parallel to each other.

The or each of the at least one pathway 301 (etc.) leads towards the aerosol generating component 101. The or each pathway 301 (etc.) may terminate adjacent to the aerosol generating component 101. Therefore, aerosolisable material at an end of the or each pathway 301 (etc.) may contact the aerosol generating component 101 or may be transferred to the aerosol generating component 101 therefrom, e.g. via an aperture or channel (e.g. under capillary force).

The or each of the at least one pathway 301 (etc.) is for transferring aerosolisable material towards the aerosol generating component using electrowetting. The electrowetting may be electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD).

The or each of the at least one pathway 301 (etc.) may comprise an upstream portion 301a and a downstream portion 301 b.

“Upstream” and “downstream” relate to the relative proximity of the portion 301a (etc.) to the aerosol generating component 101. For example, a downstream portion is closer to the aerosol generating component than an upstream portion.

The or each of the at least one pathway 301 (etc.) may comprise a plurality of downstream portions 301b, 301c, 301 d, etc. The plurality of downstream portions 301 b, (etc.) comprises a terminal downstream portion 301 d. The terminal downstream portion can be considered as the downstream portion 301 b (etc.) that is closest to the aerosol generating component 101 (relative to the portions 301 b (etc.) of that pathway 301).

The portions 301a, 301 b, etc. may be selectively connectable to a power supply. In this way, the portions 301a, 301b, etc. may be selectively connected to or disconnected from the power supply. Moreover, the voltage at each of the portions 301a, 301 b, etc. may be independently controlled.

Each portion 301a, 301 b, etc. may comprise an electrode. Each portion 301a (etc.) may comprise a dielectric material (e.g. a dielectric layer). Each portion 301a (etc.) may comprise a dielectric material (e.g. layer) supported on an electrode. Each portion 301a (etc.) may comprise a hydrophobic surface (e.g. outer surface). Each dielectric material (e.g. layer) may comprise a hydrophobic surface (e.g. outer surface). Alternatively, the hydrophobic surface may be separate from the dielectric layer (and may be in the form of a hydrophobic layer supported on the dielectric material). Each portion 301a, 301b, etc. may be referred to as an “electrowetting element”. The or each electrode may be any electrically conductive material. For example, the or each electrode may be or include copper and/or aluminium and/or chromium and/or gold and/or a carbon-based conductor such as graphene. Other electrode materials may also be used.

The or each dielectric layer may be or include silicon dioxide, aluminium oxide, tantalum pentoxide, Sll-8 (bisphenol A novolac epoxy dissolved in an organic solvent, e.g. gammabutyrolactone or cyclopentanone), or polydimethylsiloxane. Other dielectric layer materials may also be used.

The or each hydrophobic layer may be a fluorinated material (e.g. a fluoropolymer such as poly(1 ,1 ,2,2-tetrafluoroethylene) having the trade name of Teflon). The or each hydrophobic layer may be or comprise polydimethylsiloxane (e.g. a polydimethylsiloxane coating). Other hydrophobic layer materials may also be used.

As shown in Figs. 17A to 19C, the portions 301a (etc), may be discrete. That is, the portions 301a (etc.) may be separate from each other.

The or each of the at least one pathway 301 may be curved or straight (or axial). The or each of the at least one pathway 301 may be substantially planar.

Each portion 301a (etc.) may define an outer surface. The outer surface is for contacting aerosolisable material in use. The outer surface may be planar. The portions 301a etc. (e.g. the outer surfaces thereof) may be arranged in the same plane. Each portion 301a etc. (e.g. each outer surface thereof) may be arranged adjacent to at least one other portion 301a etc. (e.g. at least one other planar surface thereof).

The area of the outer surface of the or each upstream portion 301a may be greater than the area of the outer surface of the or each downstream portion 301b (etc.). The area of the outer surface of the or each upstream portion 301a may be at least 20% greater than the area of the outer surface of the or each downstream portion 301b (etc.). The area of the outer surface of the or each upstream portion 301a may be at least 50% greater than the area of the outer surface of the or each downstream portion 301 b (etc.). The area of the outer surface of the or each upstream portion 301a may be at least 100% greater than the area of the outer surface of the or each downstream portion 301b (etc.). The area of the outer surface of the or each upstream portion 301a may be at least 200% greater than the area of the outer surface of the or each downstream portion 301b (etc.). The area of the outer surface of the or each upstream portion 301a may be at least 500% greater than the area of the outer surface of the or each downstream portion 301b (etc.).

The outer surface of the or each upstream portion 301a may have an area of no greater than 500 mm². The outer surface of the or each upstream portion 301a may have an area of no greater than 200 mm². The outer surface of the or each upstream portion 301a may have an area of no greater than 100 mm². The outer surface of the or each upstream portion 301a may have an area of at least 1 mm². The outer surface of the or each upstream portion 301a may have an area of at least 10 mm².

The outer surface of the or each downstream portion 301b (etc.) may have an area of no greater than 10 mm². The outer surface of the or each downstream portion 301b (etc.) may have an area of no greater than 5 mm². The outer surface of the or each downstream portion 301b (etc.) may have an area of no greater than 4 mm². The outer surface of the or each downstream portion 301b (etc.) may have an area of at least 1 mm². The outer surface of the or each downstream portion 301 b (etc.) may be around 2.5 mm².

The outer surfaces of the downstream portions 301b (etc.) may have the same surface area as each other.

In Figs. 17A to 19C, the or each of the at least one pathway 301 (etc.) comprises an upstream portion 301a and three downstream portions 301b, 301c, 301 d. The downstream portions 301 b, 301c, 301 d include a first downstream portion 301 b, a second downstream portion 301c, and a terminal downstream portion. Each of the portions 301a, 301 b, etc. defines a planar surface (outer surface), and the planar surfaces are arranged in the same plane. Each pathway 301 (etc.) is substantially straight. Thus, each pathway 301 is substantially planar. Of each pathway 301 (etc.) the portions 301a, 301b, etc. are sequentially arranged: 301a, then 301 b, then 301c, and then 301 d. Each of the portions 301a, 301 b, 301c, 301 d comprises a dielectric layer supported on an electrode, wherein each dielectric layer comprises a hydrophobic outer surface.

The assembly may comprise at least one reservoir 302. The or each of the at least one pathway 301 (etc.) may comprise a reservoir 302. The reservoir 302 may be at least partially formed by the upstream portion 301a. For example, the reservoir of the or each pathway 301 (etc.) may be at least partially formed by the upstream portion 301a of the respective pathway 301 (etc.). For example, the upstream portion 301a may form a base (or a wall) of the reservoir 302. For example, the dielectric outer surface of the upstream portion 301a may form a base (or a wall) of the reservoir 302.

The assembly may comprise at least one structure 303.

The or each of the at least one pathway 301 (etc.; e.g. the portions 301a, 301b, etc.) and the at least one structure 303 may at least partially define a channel 304.

For example, at least part of the or each pathway 301 (etc.; e.g. the portions 301a, 301b, etc.) and at least part of the at least one structure 303 may be spaced apart from each other so as to at least partially define a channel 304.

The or each channel 304 may be provided between the respective pathway 301 (etc.; e.g. the portions 301a, 301 b, etc. thereof) and the at least one structure 303.

The or each channel 304 may be a capillary channel. Therefore, aerosolisable material may be held in or transferred through the or each channel 304 under capillary force. The or each channel 304 may extend along the extent of the respective pathway 301 (etc.). In this way, the channel 304 of each pathway 301 (etc.) may extend from the upstream portion 301a to the downstream portion (e.g. the terminal downstream portion) 301 d.

The or each structure 303 may be substantially planar. The or each structure 303 may be made from any of the materials from which the electrically insulating substrate 102 (as described herein) may be made. For example, the or each substrate 303 may be selected from the group consisting of plastic, glass, paper, and ceramic.

The or each reservoir 302 may (individually) be at least partially defined by one of the at least one structure 303 (e.g. an upstream portion of the structure 303) and one of the at least one pathway 301 (e.g. an upstream portion 301a of the or each pathway 301). The or each reservoir 302 may be located in the respective channel 304.

The area of the outer surface of the upstream portion 301a (e.g. the planar surface defined by the upstream portion 301a) may be greater than the area of the outer surface of any one of the downstream portion(s) (e.g. the planar surface defined by the or each downstream portion 301b, 301c, etc.). Varying the area of the outer surface of the upstream portion 301a can vary the capacity of the reservoir 302 for containing aerosolisable material. The reservoir 302 may be configured to hold aerosolisable material by capillary force. Electrowetting can be used to transfer aerosolisable material from the reservoir 302 towards the aerosol generating component 101 , as described herein.

The assembly may comprise at least one outlet 305 (see Figs. 18B and 19A to 19C). The or each outlet 305 may be arranged such that aerosolisable material can flow from the or each pathway 301 (or in the channel 304) through the outlet 305 to the aerosol generating component 101. The or each outlet 305 may be arranged in various locations, and may be provided in various forms. For example, the outlet 305 may comprise a terminal edge of a terminal downstream portion 301 d, or may comprise an aperture (as discussed below).

The or each outlet 305 may be arranged adjacent to the aerosol generating component 100 (see Figs. 18B to 19C). An outlet 305 may be provided at or adjacent to an end (e.g. a downstream end) of the or each pathway 301 (etc.). An outlet 305 may be provided at or adjacent to an end (e.g. a downstream end, e.g. the downstream portion) of the or each channel 304.

For example, the or each outlet 305 may be at least partially defined by a respective pathway 301 (etc.; see Figs. 18B and 19A).

For example, the or each outlet 305 may be defined by a respective pathway 301 (etc.) and one of the at least one structure 303 (see Figs. 18B and 19A).

For example, the or each outlet 305 may be provided at or towards an end (e.g. a downstream end) of the respective channel 304 (see Figs. 18B and 19A).

For example, the or each outlet 305 may extend through the aerosol generating component 101 and one of the at least one structure 303 (see Fig. 19B).

For example, the or each outlet 305 may extend through the aerosol generating component 100, the electrically insulating substrate 306 (discussed below), and the respective pathway 301 (etc. see Fig. 19C). For example, the or each outlet 305 may extend through a downstream portion 301 d (e.g. a terminal downstream portion). For example, the or each outlet 305 may be at least partially defined through a downstream portion 301 d (e.g. a terminal downstream portion).

The assembly may comprise an electrically insulating substrate 306 (see Figs. 18B to 19C). The electrically insulating substrate 306 may be as defined herein (see e.g. the features of the electrically insulating substrate 102). For example, the electrically insulating substrate 306 may be selected from the group consisting of plastic, glass, paper and ceramic.

The or each pathway 301 (etc.) may be supported on (or provided on) the electrically insulating substrate 306 (see Figs. 18B to 19C). In each of Figs. 19A to 19C, the substrate 306 is made of polyimide. In each of Figs. 19A to 19C, the structure 303 is made of glass (having an indium tin oxide coating).

Regarding use of the assembly of Fig. 17A to 17C, aerosolisable material is initially provided in the reservoir 302 (on the upstream portion 301a). A voltage is applied to the downstream portion 301b adjacent to the reservoir 302, which causes transfer of aerosolisable material (e.g. a droplet thereof) from the upstream portion 301a to the downstream portion 301b (see Fig. 17A). With the aerosolisable material (e.g. the droplet thereof) on the downstream portion 301 b, a voltage is applied to the downstream portion 301c, such that the voltage at the downstream portion 301c is greater than the voltage at the downstream portion 301b, which causes transfer of the aerosolisable material (e.g. the droplet thereof) from the downstream portion 301 b to the downstream portion 301c (see Fig. 17B). With the aerosolisable material (e.g. the droplet thereof) on the downstream portion 301c, a voltage is applied to the downstream portion 301 d, such that the voltage at the downstream portion 301 d is greater than the voltage at the downstream portion 301c, which causes transfer of the aerosolisable material (e.g. the droplet thereof) from the downstream portion 301 c to the downstream portion 301 d (see Fig. 17C). Therefore, the increased voltage applied to one portion 301a, 301b, etc. relative to an adjacent portion 301a, 301b, etc. causes the transfer of aerosolisable material (e.g. a droplet thereof) to the portion having the increased voltage. With the aerosolisable material (e.g. the droplet thereof) at the downstream portion 301 d (the terminal downstream portion), the aerosolisable material (e.g. the droplet thereof) can contact the aerosol generating component. The aerosolisable material (e.g. the droplet thereof) may spread across the surface of the aerosol generating component and be aerosolised. It will be understood that the assembly can be used to sequentially transfer one or more droplets of aerosolisable material from the upstream portion 301a, along the downstream portions 301 b etc., to the aerosol generating component 101.

Those skilled in the art will know how to apply and vary the voltage applied at each portion 301a (etc.). For example, the voltage applied to a portion (e.g. a downstream portion 301b) to transfer aerosolisable material to said portion from an adjacent portion (e.g. an upstream portion 301a) may be at least 40 V. For example, the voltage applied to a portion (e.g. a downstream portion 301 b) to transfer aerosolisable material to said portion from an adjacent portion (e.g. an upstream portion 301a) may be no greater than 120 V. For example, the voltage applied to a portion (e.g. a downstream portion 301 b) to transfer aerosolisable material to said portion from an adjacent portion (e.g. an upstream portion 301a) may be from 60 V to 75 V. “V” (voltage) may be direct current (VDC).

The assembly may comprise a plurality of pathways 30T, 301”, 30T”, 301”” leading to the aerosol generating component (see Fig. 18A). Each pathway 30T (etc.) is configured to transfer aerosolisable material towards the aerosol generating component using electrowetting. By use of a plurality of pathways 30T (etc.), aerosol having a mixed composition, e.g. formed of respective aerosol generating materials, can be generated. Moreover, the composition of the generated aerosol can be changed (almost in real-time) by controlling the respective electrowetting pathways 30T (etc.). That is, the electrowetting pathways 30T (etc.) can be controlled to determine the rate of transfer of aerosolisable material to the aerosol generating component by each pathway 30T (etc.).

Each pathway 30T (etc.) may be as defined in relation to the pathway 301 as previously defined.

As shown in Fig. 18A (right-hand-side), at least two of the plurality of pathways 30T”, 301”” may have a common upstream portion. In this way, the upstream portion (and thus the reservoir 302 thereby defined) may be shared between at least two of the plurality of pathways 301”.,₃₀₁....

As shown in Fig. 18A (left-hand-side), at least two of the plurality of pathways 30T”, 301”” may have separate upstream portions.

At least two of the plurality of pathways 30T (etc.) may lead to respective portions of the aerosol generating component 101. For example, at least two of the plurality of pathways 30T”, 301”” having the common upstream portion may lead to respective portions of the aerosol generating component 101. For example, at least two of the plurality of pathways 30T, 301” having separate upstream portions may lead to respective portions of the aerosol generating component. By transferring aerosolisable material to respective portions of the aerosol generating component, aerosolisable material may be evenly distributed across the aerosol generating component, and aerosolisation efficiency may be improved. At least two of the plurality of pathways 301’ (etc.) may lead to the same portion of the aerosol generating component. For example, at least two of the plurality of pathways 30T”, 301”” having the common upstream portion may lead to the same portion of the aerosol generating component. For example, at least two of the plurality of pathways 301’, 301” having separate upstream portions may lead to the same portion of the aerosol generating component.

At least two (or each) of the plurality of pathways 301 ’ (etc.) may be controllable independently of each other. In this way, aerosolisable material can be supplied to the aerosol generating component 101 at respective flow rates via each pathway 30T (etc.).

As shown in Figs. 18A and 18B, the assembly may be substantially planar. Moreover, each of the plurality of pathways 30T (etc.) may be arranged in the same plane. In this configuration, a compact (e.g. thin or low-profile) assembly can be provided.

As shown in Fig. 18B, the assembly may comprise a plurality of (e.g. two) structures 303. Each structure 303 may be as defined in relation to the structure 303 of Figs. 17A to 17C. The pathway 30T and one of the structures 303 may define a channel 304; the pathway 301” and the one of the structures 303 may define a channel 304; the pathway 30T” and the other of the structures 303 may define a channel 304; and the pathway 301”” and the other of the structures 303 may define a channel 304. Each channel 304 may be provided between a respective pathway 30T, 301”, 30T”, 301”” and one of the structures 303.

As shown in Figs. 18A and 18B, the assembly comprises a plurality of the outlets 305 (four are present in the assembly of said figures).

As shown in Fig. 18A, at least two of the pathways 30T, 301”, 30T”, 301”” and a common structure 303 may each at least partially define a channel 304 (so that there are two channels 304). That is, the structure 303 may be shared between respective pathways 30T, 301”, 30T”, 301””. In Figs. 18A and 18B, two of the pathways 30T, 301” and a common structure 303 each define a channel 304 (providing two channels 304); and two other of the pathways 30T”, 301”” and a respective common structure 303 each define a channel 304 (providing two further channels 304).

Each pathway 30T, 301”, 30T”, 301”” may be supported on (or provided on) the electrically insulating substrate 306. In Figs. 18A and 18B, each pathway 30T, 301”, 30T”, 301”” is supported on a polyimide substrate 306. In Figs. 18A and 18B, the structures 303 are made of glass (having an indium tin oxide coating). In use, electrowetting (as discussed in relation to Figs. 17A to 17C) is used to transfer aerosolisable material (e.g. a droplet thereof), sequentially from the upstream portion, along the downstream portions, and to the terminal downstream portion. The aerosolisable material (e.g. the droplet thereof) at the terminal downstream portion exits the respective outlet 305 and spreads across the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101). This may be performed for one, more or each pathway 30T, 301”, 30T”, 301””.

Referring to Fig. 19A, the aerosol generating component 101 may be provided on a portion of the electrically insulating substrate 306. The or each pathway 301 (etc.) may be arranged between the electrically insulating substrate 306 and one of the at least one structure 303. The aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101) and the or each pathway 301 (etc.) may be arranged adjacent to each other, optionally in substantially the same plane. In use, electrowetting (as discussed in relation to Figs. 17A to 17C) is used to transfer aerosolisable material (e.g. a droplet thereof) from the upstream portion 301a, to the downstream portion 301 b, to the downstream portion 301c, and then to the terminal downstream portion 301 d. The aerosolisable material (e.g. the droplet thereof) at the terminal downstream portion 301 d exits the outlet 305 and spreads across the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101).

Referring to Fig. 19B, the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101) may be provided (or supported) on a portion of one of the at least one structure 303. For example, the aerosol generating component may be provided proximate the downstream portion such as the terminal downstream portion 301 d. The at least one structure 303 may be arranged between the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101) and the at least one pathway 301 (e.g. the terminal downstream portion 301 d). The at least one structure 303 may be arranged between the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101) and the electrically insulating substrate 306. At least one aperture 105 may extend through the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101) and the portion of the structure 303 on which the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101) is provided. The at least one aperture 105 may be as defined herein (e.g. in terms of dimensions). In use, in each pathway 301 (etc.), electrowetting (as discussed in relation to Figs. 17A to 17C) is used to transfer aerosolisable material (e.g. a droplet thereof) from the upstream portion 301a, to the downstream portion 301b, to the downstream portion 301c, and then to the terminal downstream portion 301 d. The aerosolisable material (e.g. the droplet thereof) at the terminal downstream portion 301 d exits the outlet 305 (provided by the aperture 105) and spreads across the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101). Referring to Fig. 19C, the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101) may be provided on a portion of the electrically insulating substrate 306. The electrically insulating substrate 306 may be arranged between the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101) and the at least one pathway 301 (e.g. the terminal downstream portion 301 d). The electrically insulating substrate 306 may be arranged between the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101) and one of the at least one structure 303. At least one aperture 105 may extend through the aerosol generating component 100 and the portion of the electrically insulating substrate 306 on which the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101) is provided. The at least one aperture 105 may be as defined herein (e.g. in terms of dimensions). In use, in each pathway 301 (etc.), electrowetting (as discussed in relation to Figs. 17A to 17C) is used to transfer aerosolisable material (e.g. a droplet thereof) from the upstream portion 301a, to the downstream portion 301b, to the downstream portion 301c, and then to the terminal downstream portion 301d. The aerosolisable material (e.g. the droplet thereof) at the terminal downstream portion 301 d exits the outlet 305 (provided by the at least one aperture 105) and spreads across the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101).

In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an article for use as part of a noncombustible aerosol provision system, the article comprising the aerosol generating component 100 of any aspect of the present disclosure, or the aerosol generating assembly of any aspect of the present disclosure.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an article for use as part of a noncombustible aerosol provision system, the article comprising: the aerosol generating component 100 comprising the heating portion 100a and the at least one aerosolisable material feed portion 100b according to any aspect of the present disclosure; and at least one reservoir for aerosolisable material, wherein the or each aerosolisable material feed portion 100b is arranged in fluid communication with at least one of the at least one reservoir.

The or each aerosolisable material feed portion 100b may extend to or into at least one or the at least one reservoir. In this way, the or each aerosolisable material feed portion 100b can directly transport aerosolisable material from the reservoir to the heating portion 100a.

The heating portion 100a may be offset from the at least one reservoir. For example, the article may comprise an aerosol generation chamber. The aerosol generating component may be at least partially arranged in the aerosol generation chamber. For example, the heating portion 100a may be arranged in the aerosol generation chamber. The reservoir may radially surround the aerosol generation chamber. In this way, the reservoir may form an annulus around the aerosol generating chamber (the ring may be partial or complete).

At least one airflow path may extend through the article. The article may comprise at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The at least one airflow path may extend from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet. The airflow path may comprise the aerosol generation chamber.

The article may be orientated such that airflows along the aerosol generating component (e.g. the heating portion 100a) in a surface-direction (e.g. along the surface of the aerosol generating component 100, e.g. heating portion 100a) in use. For example, in use, air may enter the article through the at least one inlet, flow through the airflow path via the aerosol generation chamber in which the aerosol generating component 100 (e.g. the heating portion 100a) is arranged, and exit the article through the at least one outlet.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: the aerosol generating component 100 of any aspect of the present disclosure, or the aerosol generating assembly of any aspect of the present disclosure, or the article of any aspect of the present disclosure; and a power source and/or a controller.

The power source is for supplying electrical power to the aerosol generating component, e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101 .

The controller may be arranged in electrical communication with the aerosol generating component 100 (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101), wherein the controller is configured to control the supply of power to the aerosol generating component 100 (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101) by the power source. The controller may be configured to cause the supply of aerosolisable material to the aerosol generating component 100. The supply may be active supply. The active supply may be by an active supply device, such as a pump.

The controller may be configured to modulate the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generating component 100. For example, power may be supplied to the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101) through pulse width modulation. Pulse width modulation is described in more detail herein. The controller may be configured to cause the transfer of aerosolisable material (e.g. each droplet thereof) into contact with the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101) during a power-on period of the pulse width modulation. The controller may be configured such that aerosolisable material is not transferred into contact with the aerosol generating component (e.g. the allotrope of carbon 101) during a power-off period of the pulse width modulation. In this way, the aerosol generating component can be efficiently maintained at a temperature for generating aerosol from the aerosolisable material.

The amount of power supplied to the aerosol generating component 100 may be based on the amount of aerosolisable material supplied to the aerosol generating component 100. In this way, the system can be configured so that power is set to zero or a baseline value when no aerosolisable material is supplied to the aerosol generating component 100, and so that power is set to a higher value when aerosolisable material is supplied to the aerosol generating component. Such a device has been found to exhibit improved energy efficiency while maintaining desirable heating performance.

Thus, when no aerosolisable material is supplied to the aerosol generating component 100, the controller may be configured such that no power is supplied to the aerosol generating component. When no aerosolisable material is supplied to the aerosol generating component 100, the controller may be configured such that a baseline power (which is greater than zero) is supplied to the aerosol generating component. The baseline power be less than the power supplied to the aerosol generating component 100 when aerosol generating material is supplied thereto 100. Use of a baseline power advantageously reduces the time to reach aerosolisation temperatures while limiting power consumption during non-use.

The controller may be configured to correlate or synchronise the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generating component with the rate of delivery of aerosolisable material to the aerosol generating component by the or each of the at least one pathway 301 (etc.).

In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of operating a noncombustible aerosol provision system according to any aspect of the present disclosure, the method comprising the steps of: supplying power to the aerosol generating component 100.

The method may comprise actuating the controller to control (e.g. cause or prevent) the supply of aerosolisable material to the aerosol generating component 100.

The method may comprise actuating the controller to control (e.g. cause or prevent) the supply of power to the aerosol generating component 100. The method may comprise supplying an amount of power to the aerosol generating component 100 which is based on the amount of aerosolisable material supplied to the aerosol generating component 100. The method may comprising to supplying a baseline power (which is greater than zero) to the aerosol generating component 100 when no aerosolisable material is supplied to the aerosol generating component 100. The method may comprising to supplying an amount of power which is greater than the baseline power to the aerosol generating component 100 when aerosolisable material is supplied to the aerosol generating component 100.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure (see e.g. Figs. 17A to 19C), there is provided a method of controlling a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the method comprising the step of:

(a) transferring aerosolisable material (e.g. one or more droplets thereof) along at least one pathway 301 (etc.) towards an aerosol generating component 101 using electrowetting.

Step (a) may comprise sequentially transferring aerosolisable material (e.g. one or more droplets thereof) along the at least one pathway 301 (etc.) towards the aerosol generating component 101 using electrowetting.

The non-combustible aerosol provision system may have any feature or features of a noncombustible aerosol provision system of the present disclosure.

The method may comprise, before step (a), the step of:

(aO) receiving a signal indicative of a demand for aerosol from a user of the non-combustible aerosol provision system. Step (a) may be in response to (or caused by) step (aO).

The signal indicative of the demand may be received, for example, following inhalation by the user on the non-combustible aerosol provision system. Airflow through the non-combustible aerosol provision system may be detected by an air pressure sensor or an air flow sensor which provides the signal.

The method may comprise, after step (a), the step of:

(b) generating aerosol from the aerosolisable material (e.g. one or more droplets thereof; e.g. aerosolisable material transferred to the aerosol generating component 101) using the aerosol generating component 101. The method may therefore be a method of controlling a non-combustible aerosol provision system (e.g. a non-combustible aerosol provision system of the present disclosure) and generating aerosol.

In step (b) the aerosol generating component 101 may be heated to a temperature for generating aerosol from the aerosolisable material. Where the aerosol generating component 101 comprises graphene, it has been found that aerosolisable material can form a thin, evenly distributed layer across the heated graphene surface.

Thus, the method may comprise the steps of:

(aO) receiving a signal indicative of a demand for aerosol from a user of the non-combustible aerosol provision system;

(a) sequentially transferring aerosolisable material (e.g. one or more droplets thereof) along at least one pathway 301 (etc.) towards an aerosol generating component 100 using electrowetting; and

(b) generating aerosol from the aerosolisable material (e.g. one or more droplets thereof) using the aerosol generating component 101.

It will be understood that power is supplied to the aerosol generating component 101 such that the aerosol generating component 101 can generate aerosol from the aerosolisable material. For example, power may be supplied to the aerosol generating component 101 to heat the aerosol generating component 101 to a temperature for generating aerosol from the aerosolisable material. A temperature for generating aerosol from the aerosolisable material may be a temperature at or above a boiling temperature of the aerosolisable material.

As discussed herein, the controller of the non-combustible aerosol provision system may be configured to modulate the amount of power supplied (e.g. by a power source) to the aerosol generating component 101. For example, power may be supplied to the aerosol generating component 101 (e.g. by a power source) through pulse width modulation. It will be understood that pulse width modulation includes supplying pulsed power to the aerosol generating component 101. That is, power may be supplied to the aerosol generating component101 through pulse width modulation corresponding to an alternating sequence of on periods (or “pulses”; e.g. 100% supply) and off periods (e.g. 0% supply). In the on periods power (or energy) may be supplied to the aerosol generating component. In the off periods power (or energy) may not be supplied to the aerosol generating component.

Where power is supplied to the aerosol generating component 101 through pulse width modulation, the transfer of aerosolisable material (e.g. each droplet thereof) into contact with the aerosol generating component 101 may be synchronised or correlated with an on period of the pulse with modulation.

For example, where power is supplied to the aerosol generating component 101 through pulse width modulation, aerosolisable material (e.g. each droplet thereof) may be transferred into contact with the aerosol generating component 101 during an on period of the pulse width modulation, and/or aerosolisable material (e.g. each droplet thereof) may not be transferred into contact with the aerosol generating component 101 during an off period of the pulse width modulation.

Thus, the method may comprise the steps of:

(aO) receiving a signal indicative of a demand for aerosol from a user of the non-combustible aerosol provision system;

(a) sequentially transferring aerosolisable material (e.g. one or more droplets thereof) along at least one pathway 301 (etc.) towards an aerosol generating component 101 using electrowetting; and

(b) generating aerosol from the aerosolisable material (e.g. one or more droplets thereof) using the aerosol generating component101 ; wherein power is supplied through pulse width modulation to the aerosol generating component 01 , wherein the transfer of aerosolisable material (e.g. each droplet thereof) into contact with the aerosol generating component 101 is synchronised or correlated with an on period of the pulse with modulation, such as wherein aerosolisable material (e.g. each droplet thereof) is transferred into contact with the aerosol generating component 101 during an on period of the pulse width modulation, and/or aerosolisable material (e.g. each droplet thereof) is not transferred into contact with the aerosol generating component 101 during an off period of the pulse width modulation. The above-mentioned arrangement has been found to be particularly energy efficient and effective for generating aerosol from the aerosolisable medium. For example, by configuring the system in this way, less energy may be used to heat the aerosol generating component 101 when aerosol generating material is not present on the aerosol generating component 101 (or when the aerosol generating component 101 is already at a temperature for generating aerosol from the aerosolisable material). In this way, the aerosol generating component 101 can be efficiently maintained at a temperature for generating aerosol from the aerosolisable material.

It will be understood that “transferred into contact with” refers to when aerosolisable material (e.g. a droplet thereof) which is brought into contact with the aerosol generating component.

The cycle period for the pulse width modulation may be considered as the duration of a neighbouring pair of an on period and an off period. The proportion of each cycle period during which power/energy is supplied to the aerosol generating component 101 (i.e. the length of the on period) as a fraction of the cycle period is the duty cycle for the pulse width modulation.

The duty cycle for the pulse width modulation may be from 5% to 95, e.g. from 10% to 90%.

The duty cycle for the pulse width modulation may be from 10% to 20%. For example, when aerosolisable material is transferred at a flow rate of up to 0.6 pL/s, the duty cycle for the pulse width modulation may be from 10% to 20%.

The duty cycle for the pulse width modulation may be from 50% to 95%. For example, when aerosolisable material is transferred at a flow rate of at least 1 pL/s, the duty cycle for the pulse width modulation may be from 50% to 95%, or from 60% to 80%. For example, when aerosolisable material is transferred at a flow rate of from 1 pL/s to 5 pL/s, the duty cycle for the pulse width modulation may be from 50% to 95%, or from 60% to 80%. For example, when aerosolisable material is transferred at a flow rate of from 1 .5 pL/s to 3 pL/s, the duty cycle for the pulse width modulation may be from 50% to 95%, or from 60% to 80%.

The pulse width modulation frequency may be from 1 Hz to 100 Hz. The pulse width modulation frequency may be from 1 Hz to 20 Hz. For example, the pulse width modulation frequency may be from 3 Hz to 16 Hz. For example, the pulse width modulation frequency may be from 4 Hz to 12 Hz. For example, the pulse width modulation frequency may be from 5 Hz to 10 Hz. For example, the pulse width modulation frequency may be about 8 Hz. The droplet frequency of the aerosolisable material may be synchronised or correlated with pulse width modulation frequency. The droplet frequency may be from 1 Hz to 100 Hz. The droplet frequency may be from 1 Hz to 20 Hz. For example, the droplet frequency may be from 3 Hz to 16 Hz. For example, the droplet frequency may be from 4 Hz to 12 Hz. For example, the droplet frequency may be from 5 Hz to 10 Hz. For example, the droplet frequency may be about 8 Hz. It is to be understood that droplet frequency refers to the amount of droplets of aerosolisable material transferred into contact with the aerosol generating component 101 per second.

It will be understood that the duty cycle and/or the pulse width modulation frequency may be varied, e.g. depending on the flow rate of aerosolisable material.

The aerosol generating component 101 may be heated in response to step (aO), such that the aerosol generating component 101 reaches a temperature for generating aerosol from the aerosolisable medium. It has been found that where the aerosol generating component 101 comprises graphene, the aerosol generating component may rapidly reach such a temperature.

When power is supplied using pulse width modulation to the aerosol generating component 101 to heat the aerosol generating component 101 to a temperature for generating aerosol from the aerosolisable material, said power may be supplied until no signal is received indicative of a demand for aerosol from the user of the non-combustible aerosol provision system. For example, power may cease to be supplied to the aerosol generating component 101 when no signal is received indicative of a demand for aerosol from the user of the noncombustible aerosol provision system.

No signal indicative of the demand may be received when, for example, the user does not (or ceases to) inhale on the non-combustible aerosol provision system. Other implementations are also envisaged (e.g. when the user does not press a button or ceases to press a button).

Thus, the method may comprise the steps of:

(aO) receiving a signal indicative of a demand for aerosol from a user of the non-combustible aerosol provision system;

(a) transferring aerosolisable material (e.g. one or more droplets thereof) along at least one pathway towards 301 (etc.) an aerosol generating component 101 using electrowetting; and (b) generating aerosol from the aerosolisable material (e.g. one or more droplets thereof) using the aerosol generating component 101 ; wherein power is supplied using pulse width modulation to the aerosol generating component 101 to heat the aerosol generating component 101 to a temperature for generating aerosol from the aerosolisable material, wherein said power is supplied until no signal is received indicative of a demand for aerosol from the user of the non-combustible aerosol provision system.

The method may comprise the step of: transferring aerosolisable material (e.g. one or more droplets thereof) along each of a plurality of pathways 301 (etc.) towards the aerosol generating component 101 using electrowetting. The aerosolisable may be transferred along each of the plurality of pathways 301 (etc.) as described above. For example, each of the plurality of pathways 301 (etc.) may have any feature or features of the pathway described above.

The method may include any feature or features of any other aspect of the present disclosure.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of forming an aerosol generating component 100 (or 101) of any aspect of the present disclosure.

The method may comprise the step of: forming the allotrope of carbon 101 on an electrically insulating substrate 102. The allotrope of carbon 101 may be as defined herein.

The allotrope of carbon 101 may be formed on the electrically insulating substrate 102 by printing.

The allotrope of carbon 101 may be formed on the electrically insulating substrate 102 by laser irradiation of the electrically insulating substrate 102. In embodiments in which the allotrope of carbon 101 is formed as a foam, the foam may be formed on the electrically insulating substrate 102 by laser irradiation of the electrically insulating substrate 102. The laser irradiation may comprise irradiating the electrically insulating substrate 102 with a laser beam, wherein the electrically insulating substrate 102 is a carbon-containing material. In embodiments involving laser irradiation, the electrically insulating substrate 102 may be formed of polyimide (PI). The laser irradiation may be performed in an inert environment. The laser irradiation may be performed in an ambient environment. The laser irradiation may be performed in atmospheric air (air from the Earth’s atmosphere). Thus, in some embodiments, the method of forming an aerosol generating component 100 comprises forming the allotrope of carbon 101 on an electrically insulating substrate 102 by laser irradiation comprising irradiating the electrically insulating substrate 102 with a laser beam, wherein the electrically insulating substrate 102 is a carbon-containing material (optionally formed of polyimide (PI)), and optionally the allotrope of carbon 101 is formed as a foam. Optionally the allotrope of carbon 101 comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon.

The method may comprise the step of: forming at least one aperture 105 extending through the electrically insulating substrate 102. The at least one aperture 105 may be as defined herein. The at least one aperture 105 may be formed by laser irradiation of the electrically insulating substrate 102.

In some embodiments, the step of forming the at least one aperture 105 extending through the electrically insulating substrate 102 occurs before the step of forming the allotrope of carbon 101 on the electrically insulating substrate 102. The allotrope of carbon 101 may be formed on a portion of the electrically insulating substrate 102 through which the at least one aperture 105 extends. The at least one aperture 105 may extend through and/or be covered (partially or completely) by the allotrope of carbon 101 .

Thus, in some embodiments, the method of forming an aerosol generating component 100 comprises:

(A) forming at least one aperture 105 through an electrically insulating substrate 102 by laser irradiation of the electrically insulating substrate 102; and

(B) forming an allotrope of carbon 101 on the electrically insulating substrate 101 by laser irradiation of the electrically insulating substrate 102, wherein the electrically insulating substrate 102 is a carbon-containing material (optionally formed of polyimide (PI)), step (A) occurs before step (B), and the at least one aperture 105 extends through and/or is covered (partially or completely) by the allotrope of carbon 101. Optionally the allotrope of carbon 101 is formed as a foam. Optionally the allotrope of carbon 101 comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon.

In some embodiments, the step of forming the at least one aperture 105 extending through the electrically insulating substrate 102 occurs after the step of forming the allotrope of carbon 101 on the electrically insulating substrate 102. The allotrope of carbon 101 may cover (partially or completely) the at least one aperture 105. Thus, in some embodiments, the method of forming an aerosol generating component 100 comprises:

(A) forming an allotrope of carbon 101 on an electrically insulating substrate 102 by laser irradiation of the electrically insulating substrate 102; and

(B) forming at least one aperture 105 through the electrically insulating substrate 102 by laser irradiation of the electrically insulating substrate 102, wherein the electrically insulating substrate 102 is a carbon-containing material (optionally formed of polyimide (PI)), step (A) occurs before step (B), and the allotrope of carbon 101 covers (partially or completely) the at least one aperture 105. Optionally the allotrope of carbon 101 is formed as a foam. Optionally the allotrope of carbon 101 comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon.

Without being bound by theory, it is believed the energy from the laser beam can form a porous, conductive carbon-containing material (101) having a porous (e.g. foam) structure from the electrically insulating substrate 102 (e.g. PI). It is to be understood that various properties of the allotrope of carbon 101 and/or the at least one aperture 105 may be controlled by adjusting laser beam parameters such as pulse duration, power, focal distance, frequency, wavelength, and/or scanning speed.

The allotrope of carbon 101 may be formed on the electrically insulating substrate 102 by laser induced deposition.

Where the allotrope of carbon 101 is or comprises one or more layers of graphene, this may be formed on the electrically insulating substrate 102 by laser induced graphene (LIG) formation. The laser induced graphene formation comprises irradiating a laser beam on the electrically insulating substrate 102, wherein the electrically insulating substrate is a carbon- containing material. LIG may be used to form graphene foam on the electrically insulating substrate.

The allotrope of carbon 101 may be formed on the electrically insulating substrate 102 by chemical vapour deposition (CVD). The chemical vapour deposition comprises flowing a carbon-containing gas (e.g. methane) (and optionally hydrogen) past the electrically insulating substrate 102. The chemical vapour deposition may be at sub-atmospheric pressure, otherwise known as low-pressure CVD. CVD may be used to form graphene foam on the electrically insulating substrate. The method may comprise the step of forming one or more electrode 103 in contact with the allotrope of carbon 101.

It has been found that by forming two or more electrodes 103 in contact (i.e. direct contact) with the allotrope of carbon 101 , manufacturing efficiency can be improved relative to aerosol generating components in which an electrode is connected to a heater via an electrical contact (i.e. an additional component part; typically, a silver electrical contact). Moreover, given that such an electrical contact is not required, a greater proportion of the aerosol generating component of a particular size 100 can be configured for aerosol generation (e.g. a larger surface area of the aerosol generating component 100 may be exposed to aerosolisable material), such that aerosolisation performance is improved. The direct connection between the one or more electrodes 103 and the allotrope of carbon 101 also provides for an improved, low loss electrical connection and/or mechanical connection therebetween, relative to aerosol generating components in which an electrode is connected to a heater via an electrical contact.

The forming the one or more electrodes 103 in contact with the allotrope of carbon 101 may comprise a sintering step. For example, the forming the at least one electrode 103 in contact with the allotrope of carbon 101 may comprise sintering the at least one electrode to the allotrope of carbon 101 .

The or each electrode 103 may be selected from copper, silver, and gold. The or each electrode 103 made be sintered, e.g. sintered copper, sintered silver, or sintered gold. It has been found that copper, such as sintered copper, is particularly effective at forming a direct, low-loss electrical connection.

The method may comprise forming one or more grooves and/or one or more apertures in the electrically insulating substrate before arranging the allotrope of carbon 101 thereon. The one or more apertures extend through the substrate 102 (i.e. as through-holes). The grooves and apertures help to distribute aerosolisable material across and through the aerosol generating component 100 and to improve heating efficiency.

In some embodiments, the substrate 102 is glass, e.g. borosilicate glass (e.g. “Willow Glass”) or quartz glass (fused quartz).

For example, Fig. 9 shows an allotrope of carbon 102 formed on a borosilicate glass substrate 102, and two copper electrodes 103 in contact with the allotrope of carbon 101. In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating component 100 obtained by the method according to any aspect of the present disclosure.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided:

Clause A1 . An aerosol generating component for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the aerosol generating component comprising an allotrope of carbon supported on an electrically insulating substrate.

Clause A2. The aerosol generating component of clause A1 , wherein the allotrope of carbon comprises one or more layers of graphene, wherein where there is more than one layer of graphene, at least two of the layers of graphene are non-parallel relative to each other.

Clause A3. The aerosol generating component of clause A1 or A2, wherein the allotrope of carbon comprises graphite.

Clause A4. The aerosol generating component of any one of clauses A1 to A3, wherein the allotrope of carbon has one or more of: a thermal conductivity of from 100 to 5500 Wm’¹k’¹, an electrical conductivity of from 1 to 2.5x10⁶ Sm^-1, and a non-linear elasticity.

Clause A5. The aerosol generating component of any one of clauses A1 to A4, wherein the electrically insulating substrate is selected from the group consisting of plastic, glass, paper and ceramic.

Clause A6. The aerosol generating component of any one of clauses A1 to A5, wherein the aerosol generating component comprises a capillary structure.

Clause A7. The aerosol generating component of clause A6, wherein the electrically insulating substrate has a porous structure formed from pillars and interstitial pores.

Clause A8. The aerosol generating component of clause A7, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed on one or more of the pillars.

Clause A9. The aerosol generating component clause A8, wherein the interstitial pores have an average pore size of from 0.5 to 40 pm.

Clause A10. The aerosol generating component of any one of clauses A1 to A9, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed as a plurality of nanotubes. Clause A11 . The aerosol generating component of any one of clauses A1 to A9, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed as an open-cell foam.

Clause A12. The aerosol generating component of any one of clauses A1 to A9, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed as a plurality of flakes.

Clause A13. The aerosol generating component of any one of clauses A1 to A12, wherein the allotrope of carbon has a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 100 pm.

Clause A14. The aerosol generating component of any one of clauses A1 to A13, wherein the electrically insulating substrate is formed as a plate, a strip or a rod.

Clause A15. The aerosol generating component of any one of clauses A1 to A14, wherein the electrically insulating substrate has a thickness of from 5 to 500 pm , and/or a width of from 0.5 to 50 mm, and/or a length of from 1 to 50 mm.

Clause A16. The aerosol generating component of any one of clauses A1 to A15, wherein the allotrope of carbon is supported on the substrate across at least 50% of the area of a surface of the electrically insulating substrate.

Clause A17. The aerosol generating component of any one of clauses A1 to A16, further comprising one or more electrodes arranged in electrical contact with the allotrope of carbon.

Clause A18. The aerosol generating component of clause A17, wherein each of the one or more electrodes is formed of copper, silver, or gold.

Clause A19. An aerosol generating assembly for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the aerosol generating assembly comprising the aerosol generating component of any of clauses A1 to A18 and an aerosol generating material transfer component for supplying aerosol generating material to the aerosol generating component.

Clause A20. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause A19, wherein the aerosol generating material transfer component comprises a reservoir, wherein the aerosol generating component traverses the reservoir.

Clause A21. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause A19, wherein the aerosol generating material transfer component comprises at least one capillary channel having an outlet. Clause A22. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause A21 , wherein the outlet is arranged adjacent to the aerosol generating component, such that aerosolisable material exiting the outlet directly contacts the aerosol generating component.

Clause A23. A non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: the aerosol generating component of any one of clauses A1 to A18 or the aerosol generating assembly of any one of clauses A19 to A22; and one or more of a power source and a controller.

Clause A24. A method of forming the aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses A1 to A18, the method comprising the steps of: forming an allotrope of carbon on an electrically insulating substrate.

Clause A25. The method of clause A24, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed by one of printing, laser induced graphene formation, and chemical vapor deposition.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided:

Clause B1 . An aerosol generating component for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the aerosol generating component comprising an allotrope of carbon supported on an electrically insulating substrate, wherein the allotrope of carbon is configured such that the contact angle between a droplet of glycerol and a surface of the allotrope of carbon at a temperature of 150°C is no greater than 20 degrees.

Clause B2. The aerosol generating component according to clause B1 , wherein the contact angle between a droplet of glycerol and a surface of the allotrope of carbon at a temperature of 20°C is from 70 degrees to 130 degrees.

Clause B3. The aerosol generating component according to clause B1 or B2, wherein the allotrope of carbon comprises one or more dopants.

Clause B4. The aerosol generating component according to clause B3, wherein the one or more dopants comprise an n-dopant.

Clause B5. The aerosol generating according to clause B4, wherein the n-dopant is selected from the group consisting of phosphorous and nitrogen.

Clause B6. The aerosol generating component according to clause B3 to B5, wherein the one or more dopants comprise a p-dopant. Clause B7. The aerosol generating component according to clause B6, wherein the p- dopant is selected from the group consisting of boron and sulfur.

Clause B8. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses B1 to B7, wherein the allotrope of carbon comprises one or more layers of graphene, wherein where there is more than one layer of graphene, at least two of the layers of graphene are nonparallel relative to each other.

Clause B9. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses B1 to B7, wherein the allotrope of carbon is graphite.

Clause B10. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses B1 to B9, wherein the allotrope of carbon has one or more of: a thermal conductivity of from 100 to 5500 Wm’¹k’¹, an electrical conductivity of from 1 to 2.5x10⁶ Sm^-1, and a non-linear elasticity.

Clause B11 . The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses B1 to B10, wherein the electrically insulating substrate has a thickness of from 5 to 500 pm, and/or a width of from 0.5 mm to 50 mm, and/or a length of from 1 mm to 50 mm.

Clause B12. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses B1 to B11 , wherein the electrically insulating substrate is selected from the group consisting of plastic, glass, paper, and ceramic.

Clause B13. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses B1 to B12, wherein the electrically insulating substrate has a porous structure formed from pillars and interstitial pores.

Clause B14. The aerosol generating component according to clause B13, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed on the pillars.

Clause B15. The aerosol generating component according to clause B13 or B14, wherein the interstitial pores have an average pore size of from 0.5 to 40 pm.

Clause B16. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses B1 to B14, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed as a plurality of nanotubes.

Clause B17. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses B1 to B14, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed as an open-cell foam. Clause B18. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses B1 to B14, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed a plurality of flakes.

Clause B19. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses B1 to B18, wherein the aerosol generating component comprises a capillary structure.

Clause B20. An aerosol generating assembly for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the aerosol generating assembly comprising: an aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses B1 to B19; and an aerosol generating material transfer component for supplying aerosol generating material to the aerosol generating component.

Clause B21. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause B20, wherein the aerosol generating material transfer component comprises a reservoir.

Clause B22. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause B20 or B21 , wherein the aerosol generating component traverses the reservoir.

Clause B23. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause B20, wherein the aerosol generating material transfer component comprises at least one capillary channel having an outlet.

Clause B24. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause B18, wherein the outlet is arranged adjacent to the aerosol generating component, such that aerosolisable material exiting the outlet directly contacts the aerosol generating component.

Clause B25. A non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: the aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses B1 to B19 or the aerosol generating assembly according to any one of clauses B20 to B24; and one or more of a power source and a controller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided:

Clause C1. An aerosol generating component for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the aerosol generating component comprising an allotrope of carbon supported on an electrically insulating substrate, wherein the substrate is elongate and has a length to width ratio of from 5:1 to 50:1. Clause C2. The aerosol generating component according to clause C1 , the electrically insulating substrate has a length of from 10 to 30 mm.

Clause C3. The aerosol generating component according to clause C1 or C2, wherein the electrically insulating substrate has a width of from 0.5 mm to 10 mm.

Clause C4. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses C1 to C3, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed as a plurality of nanotubes.

Clause C5. The aerosol generating component of any one of clauses C1 to C3, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed as an open-cell foam.

Clause C6. The aerosol generating component of any one of clauses C1 to C3, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed as a plurality of flakes.

Clause C7. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses C1 to C6, wherein the electrically insulating substrate is selected from the group consisting of plastic, glass, paper, and ceramic.

Clause C8. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses C1 to C7, wherein the electrically insulating substrate has a porous structure formed from pillars and interstitial pores.

Clause C9. The aerosol generating component according to clause C8, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed on the pillars.

Clause C10. The aerosol generating component according to clause C8 or C9, wherein the interstitial pores have an average pore size of from 0.5 to 40 pm.

Clause C11. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses C1 to C10, wherein the allotrope of carbon comprises one or more layers of graphene, wherein where there is more than one layer of graphene, at least two of the layers of graphene are nonparallel relative to each other.

Clause C12. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses C1 to C10, wherein the allotrope of carbon is graphite. Clause C13. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses C1 to C12, wherein the allotrope of carbon has one or more of: a thermal conductivity of from 100 to 5500 Wm’¹k’¹, an electrical conductivity of from 1 to 2.5x10⁶ Sm^-1, and a non-linear elasticity.

Clause C14. An aerosol generating assembly for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the aerosol generating assembly comprising: an aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses C1 to C13; and an an aerosol generating material transfer component for supplying aerosol generating material to the aerosol generating component.

Clause C15. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause C14, wherein the aerosol generating material transfer component comprises a reservoir.

Clause C16. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause C14 or C15, wherein the aerosol generating material transfer component traverses the reservoir.

Clause C17. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause C14, wherein the aerosol generating material transfer component comprises at least one capillary channel having an outlet.

Clause C18. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause C17, wherein the outlet is arranged adjacent to the aerosol generating component, such that aerosolisable material exiting the outlet directly contacts the aerosol generating component.

Clause C19. A non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: the aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses C1 to C13 or the aerosol generating assembly according to any one of clauses C14 to C18; and one or more of a power source and a controller.

Clause C20. The non-combustible aerosol provision system according to clause C19, wherein the controller is arranged in electrical communication with the aerosol generating component, and wherein the controller is configured to control the supply of power to the aerosol generating component by the power source.

Clause C21. The non-combustible aerosol provision system according to clause C20, wherein the controller is configured to cause the active supply of aerosolisable material to the aerosol generating component. Clause C22. The non-combustible aerosol provision system according to clause C20 or C21 , wherein the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generating component is based on the amount of aerosolisable material supplied to the aerosol generating component.

Clause C23. The non-combustible aerosol provision system according to any one of clauses C20 to C22, wherein when no aerosolisable material is supplied to the aerosol generating component, the controller is configured such that a baseline power is supplied to the aerosol generating component, wherein the baseline power is greater than zero and less than the power supplied to the aerosol generating component when aerosolisable material is supplied to the aerosol generating component.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided:

Clause D1. An aerosol generating component for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the aerosol generating component comprising an allotrope of carbon supported on an electrically insulating substrate, wherein at least one elongate aperture extends through the aerosol generating component.

Clause D2. The aerosol generating component of clause D1 , wherein the or each elongate aperture is linear.

Clause D3. The aerosol generating component of clause D1 , wherein the or each elongate aperture is non-linear.

Clause D4. The aerosol generating component of any one of clauses D1 to D3, wherein a plurality of elongate apertures extends through the aerosol generating component.

Clause D5. The aerosol generating component of clause D4, wherein the elongate apertures are arranged parallel to each other.

Clause D6. The aerosol generating component of any one of clauses D1 to D5, wherein the electrically insulating substrate is formed as a strip or rod.

Clause D7. The aerosol generating component of clause D6, wherein the at least one elongated aperture extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the electrically insulating substrate, preferably wherein the electrically insulating substrate has a thickness of from 100 pm to 4 mm, and/or a width of from 0.5 mm to 50 mm, and/or a length of from 1 mm to 50 mm. Clause D8. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses D1 to D7, wherein the allotrope of carbon comprises one or more layers of graphene, wherein where there is more than one layer of graphene, at least two of the layers of graphene are nonparallel relative to each other.

Clause D9. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses D1 to D7, wherein the allotrope of carbon is graphite.

Clause D10. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses D1 to D9, wherein the allotrope of carbon has one or more of: a thermal conductivity of from 100 to 5500 Wm’¹k’¹, an electrical conductivity of from 1 to 2.5x10⁶ Sm^-1, and a non-linear elasticity.

Clause D11 . The aerosol generating component of any one of clauses D1 to D10, wherein the electrically insulating substrate is selected from the group consisting of plastic, glass, paper and ceramic.

Clause D12. The aerosol generating component of any one of clauses D1 to D11 , wherein the aerosol generating component comprises a capillary structure.

Clause D13. The aerosol generating component of clause D12, wherein the electrically insulating substrate has a pore structure formed from pillars and interstitial pores.

Clause D14. The aerosol generating component of clause D13, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed on the pillars.

Clause D15. The aerosol generating component clause D13 or D14, wherein the interstitial pores have an average pore size of from 0.5 to 40 pm.

Clause D16. The aerosol generating component of any one of the clauses D1 to D15, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed as a plurality of nanotubes.

Clause D17. The aerosol generating component of any one of clauses D1 to D15, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed as an open-cell foam.

Clause D18. The aerosol generating component of any one of clauses D1 to D15, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed as a plurality of flakes. Clause D19. The aerosol generating component of any one of the clauses D1 to D18, wherein the or each elongate aperture has a width of from 0.1 mm to 1 mm, and/or a length which is from 5 to 95% of the length of the aerosol generating component.

Clause D20. An aerosol generating assembly for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the aerosol generating assembly comprising the aerosol generating component of any of clauses D1 to D19 and an aerosol generating material transfer component for supplying aerosol generating material to the aerosol generating component.

Clause D21 . The aerosol generating assembly according to clause D20, wherein the aerosol generating material transfer component comprises a reservoir.

Clause D22. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause D21 wherein the aerosol generating component traverses the reservoir.

Clause D23. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause D20, wherein the aerosol generating material transfer component comprises at least one capillary channel having an outlet.

Clause D24. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause D23, wherein the outlet is arranged adjacent to the aerosol generating component, such that aerosolisable material exiting the outlet directly contacts the aerosol generating component.

Clause D25. A non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: the aerosol generating component of any one of clauses D1 to D19 or the aerosol generating assembly of any one of clauses D20 to D24; and one or more of a power source and a controller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided:

Clause E1. A method of preparing an aerosol generating component for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the method comprising the steps of: forming an allotrope of carbon on an electrically insulating substrate; and forming one or more electrodes in contact with the allotrope of carbon.

Clause E2. The method according to clause E1 , wherein the step of forming the one or more electrodes in contact with the allotrope of carbon comprises a sintering step.

Clause E3. The method according to clause E1 or E2, wherein the or each electrode is selected from copper, silver, or gold. Clause E4. The method according to any one of clauses E1 to E3, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed on the electrically insulating substrate by printing.

Clause E5. The method according to any one of clauses E1 to E4, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed on the electrically insulating substrate by chemical vapour deposition.

Clause E6. The method according to any one of clauses E1 to E5, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed on the electrically insulating substrate by laser induced deposition.

Clause E7. The method according to any one of clauses E1 to E6, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed as a plurality of nanotubes; or an open-cell foam; or a plurality of flakes.

Clause E8. The method according to any one of clauses E1 to E7, wherein the electrically insulating substrate has a pore structure formed from pillars and interstitial pores.

Clause E9. The method according to clause E8, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed on the pillars.

Clause E10. The method according to clause E9, wherein the interstitial pores have an average pore size of from 0.5 to 40 pm.

Clause E11. The method according to any one of clauses E1 to E10, wherein the allotrope of carbon comprises one or more layers of graphene, wherein where there is more than one layer of graphene, at least two of the layers of graphene are non-parallel relative to each other.

Clause E12. The method according to any one of clauses E1 to E10, wherein the allotrope of carbon is graphite.

Clause E13. The method according to any one of clauses E1 to E12, wherein the allotrope of carbon has one or more of: a thermal conductivity of from 100 to 5500 Wm’¹k’¹, an electrical conductivity of from 1 to 2.5x10⁶ Sm^-1, and a non-linear elasticity.

Clause E14. The method according to any one of clauses E1 to E13 comprising forming one or more grooves and/or one or more apertures in the electrically insulating substrate before depositing the allotrope of carbon thereon.

Clause E15. The method according to any one of clauses E1 to E14, wherein the electrically insulating substrate is selected from the group consisting of plastic, glass, paper, and ceramic. Clause E16. The method according to clause E15, wherein the electrically insulating substrate is glass, and wherein the glass is borosilicate glass.

Clause E17. An aerosol generating component obtained by the method of any one of clauses E1 to E16.

Clause E18. An aerosol generating assembly for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the aerosol generating assembly comprising: the aerosol generating component according to clause E17; and an an aerosol generating material transfer component for supplying aerosol generating material to the aerosol generating component.

Clause E19. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause E18, wherein the aerosol generating material transfer component comprises a reservoir, wherein the aerosol generating component traverses the reservoir.

Clause E20. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause E18 wherein the aerosol generating material transfer component comprises at least one capillary channel having an outlet.

Clause E21. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause E20, wherein the outlet is arranged adjacent to the aerosol generating component, such that aerosolisable material exiting the outlet directly contacts the aerosol generating component.

Clause E22. A non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: the aerosol generating component of clause E17 or the aerosol generating assembly according to any one of clauses E18 to E21 ; and one or more of a power source and a controller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided:

Clause F1 . An aerosol generating component for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the aerosol generating component comprising an allotrope of carbon supported on an electrically insulating substrate, wherein the aerosol generating component comprises a heating portion and at least one aerosolisable material feed portion extending from the heating portion.

Clause F2. The aerosol generating component according to clause F1 , wherein the or each aerosolisable material feed portion extends from a side of the heating portion. Clause F3. The aerosol generating component according to clause F1 or F2, wherein the heating portion is elongate.

Clause F4. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses F1 to F3, wherein the or each aerosolisable material feed portion is elongate.

Clause F5. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses F1 to F4, wherein the or each aerosolisable material feed portion has a length to width ratio of from 1 :1 to 5:1.

Clause F6. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses F1 to F5, wherein the or each aerosolisable material feed portion has a length of from 1 to 15 mm.

Clause F7. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses F1 to F6, wherein the or each aerosolisable material feed portion has a width of from 1 to 3 mm.

Clause F8. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses F1 to F7, wherein the or each aerosolisable material feed portion tapers away from the elongate heating portion.

Clause F9. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses F1 to F8, wherein electrically insulating substrate has a thickness of 5 to 500 pm.

Clause F10. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses F1 to F9, wherein the heating portion has a width of from 0.5 mm to 50 mm.

Clause F11 . The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses F1 to F10, wherein the heating portion has a length of from 1 mm to 50 mm.

Clause F12. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses F1 to F11 , wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed as a plurality of nanotubes; or an open-cell foam; or a plurality of flakes.

Clause F13. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses F1 to F12, wherein the allotrope of carbon comprises one or more layers of graphene, wherein where there is more than one layer of graphene, at least two of the layers of graphene are nonparallel relative to each other. Clause F14. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses F1 to F12, wherein the allotrope of carbon is graphite.

Clause F15. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses F1 to F14, wherein the allotrope of carbon has one or more of: a thermal conductivity of from 100 to 5500 Wm’¹k’¹, an electrical conductivity of from 1 to 2.5x10⁶ Sm^-1, and a non-linear elasticity.

Clause F16. The aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses F1 to F15, wherein the electrically insulating substrate has a pore structure formed from pillars and interstitial pores.

Clause F17. The aerosol generating component according to clause F16, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed on the pillars.

Clause F18. The aerosol generating component according to clause F16 or F17, wherein the interstitial pores have an average pore size of from 0.5 to 40 pm.

Clause F19. An aerosol generating assembly for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the aerosol generating assembly comprising: the aerosol generating component according to any one of clauses F1 to F18; and an aerosol generating material transfer component for supplying aerosol generating material to the aerosol generating component.

Clause F20. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause F19, wherein the aerosol generating material transfer component comprises a reservoir.

Clause F21 . The aerosol generating assembly according to clause F20, wherein the aerosol generating component traverses the reservoir.

Clause F22. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause F19, wherein the aerosol generating material transfer component comprises at least one capillary channel having an outlet.

Clause F23. The aerosol generating assembly according to clause F22, wherein the outlet is arranged adjacent to the aerosol generating component, such that aerosolisable material exiting the outlet directly contacts the aerosol generating component.

Clause F24. A non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: the aerosol generating component of any one of clauses F1 to F18 or the aerosol generating assembly according to any one of clauses F19 to F23; and one or more of a power source and a controller.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided:

Clause H1. An assembly for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the assembly comprising an aerosol generating component, and at least one pathway leading to the aerosol generating component, the or each of the at least one pathway being configured to transfer aerosolisable material towards the aerosol generating component using electrowetting.

Clause H2. The assembly according to clause H1 , wherein the or each of the at least one pathway comprises an upstream portion and a downstream portion, wherein the portions are selectively connectable to a power supply.

Clause H3. The assembly according to clause H1 or H2, wherein the assembly comprises at least one reservoir.

Clause H4. The assembly according to clause H3, wherein the or each of the at least one pathway comprises a reservoir, wherein the reservoir is at least partially formed by the upstream portion.

Clause H5. The assembly according to any one of clauses H2 to H4 when dependent on clause 2, wherein the portions are discrete portions.

Clause H6. The assembly according to any one of clauses H1 to H5, wherein the or each of the at least one pathway is substantially planar.

Clause H7. The assembly according to any one of clauses H 1 to H6, wherein the assembly comprises an electrically insulating substrate on which the or each of the at least one pathway is provided.

Clause H8. The assembly according to clause H7, wherein the electrically insulating substrate is selected from the group consisting of plastic, glass, paper and ceramic.

Clause H9. The assembly according to clause H7 or H8, wherein the or each of the at least one pathway at least partially defines a channel, optionally wherein the or each channel is a capillary channel. Clause H10. The assembly according to clause H9, wherein the assembly comprises at least one structure, wherein the or each of the at least one pathway and the at least one structure at least partially define the channel.

Clause H11. The assembly according to clause H10, wherein the aerosol generating component is provided on a portion of one of the at least one structure, such that the at least one structure is arranged between the aerosol generating component and the electrically insulating substrate, wherein at least one aperture extends through the aerosol generating component and the portion of the structure on which the aerosol generating component is provided.

Clause H12. The assembly according to clause H10, wherein the aerosol generating component is provided on a portion of the electrically insulating substrate, such that the electrically insulating substrate is arranged between the aerosol generating component and the at least one structure, wherein at least one aperture extends through the aerosol generating component and the portion of the electrically insulating substrate on which the aerosol generating component is provided.

Clause H13. The assembly according to clause H10, wherein the aerosol generating component is provided on a portion of the electrically insulating substrate, wherein the or each pathway is arranged between the electrically insulating substrate and the at least one structure and wherein the aerosol generating component and the or each pathway are arranged adjacent to each other, optionally in substantially the same plane.

Clause H14. The assembly according to any one of clauses H1 to H13, wherein the aerosol generating component comprises an allotrope of carbon.

Clause H15. The assembly according to clause H14, wherein the allotrope of carbon is graphite.

Clause H16. The assembly according to clause H14, wherein the allotrope of carbon is one or more layers of graphene, optionally in the form of three-dimensional graphene.

Clause H17. The assembly according to any one of clauses H1 to H16, wherein the assembly comprises a plurality of pathways leading to the aerosol generating component, wherein each of the plurality of pathways is configured to transfer aerosolisable material towards the aerosol generating component using electrowetting. Clause H18. The assembly according to clause H17, wherein each of the plurality of pathways comprises an upstream portion and a downstream portion, wherein the portions of each of the plurality of pathways are selectively connectable to a power supply.

Clause H19. The assembly according to clause H18, wherein at least two of the plurality of pathways have a common upstream portion.

Clause H20. The assembly according to clause H19, wherein the assembly comprises a reservoir, wherein the reservoir is at least partially formed by the common upstream portion.

Clause H21. The assembly according to clause H18, wherein at least two of the plurality of pathways have separate upstream portions.

Clause H22. The assembly according to any one of clauses H17 to H21 , wherein at least two of the plurality of pathways are controllable independently of each other.

Clause H23. A non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: the assembly according to any one of clauses H1 to H22; and a power source and/or a controller, wherein the power source is for supplying electrical power to the aerosol generating component.

Clause H24. The non-combustible aerosol provision system according to clause H23, wherein the controller is configured to modulate the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generating component.

Clause H25. The non-combustible aerosol provision system according to clause H24, wherein the controller is configured to correlate or synchronise the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generating component with the rate of delivery of aerosolisable material to the aerosol generating component by the or each of the at least one pathway.

Clause H26. A method of controlling a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the method comprising the step of: (a) transferring aerosolisable material along at least one pathway towards an aerosol generating component using electrowetting.

Clause H27. The method according to clause H26, the method comprising, before step (a), the step of: (aO) receiving a signal indicative of a demand for aerosol from a user of the non- combustible aerosol provision system. Clause H28. The method according to clause H26 or H27, the method comprising, after step (a), the step of: (b) generating aerosol from the aerosolisable material using the aerosol generating component.

Clause H29. The method according to any one of clauses H26 to H28, wherein power is supplied through pulse width modulation to the aerosol generating component.

Clause H30. The method according to clause H29, wherein the transfer of aerosolisable material into contact with the aerosol generating component is synchronised or correlated with an on period of the pulse with modulation.

Clause H31. The method according to clause H30, wherein aerosolisable material is transferred into contact with the aerosol generating component during an on period of the pulse width modulation, and aerosolisable material is not transferred into contact with the aerosol generating component during an off period of the pulse width modulation.

Clause H32. The method according to any one of clauses H29 to H31 , wherein said power is supplied until no signal is received indicative of a demand for aerosol from the user of the non-combustible aerosol provision system.

Any aspect of the present disclosure may be defined in relation to any of the other aspects of the present disclosure. For example, one aspect of the present disclosure may include any of the features of any other aspect of the present disclosure and/or the features of one aspect of the present disclosure may be as defined in relation to the features of any other aspect of the present disclosure.

The figures herein are schematic and not drawn to scale. The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating component for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the aerosol generating component comprising an allotrope of carbon supported on an electrically insulating substrate, wherein at least one aperture extends through the electrically insulating substrate.

2. The aerosol generating component according to claim 1 , wherein the allotrope of carbon comprises one or more layers of graphene, optionally in the form of three-dimensional graphene.

3. The aerosol generating component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrically insulating substrate is thermally insulating.

4. The aerosol generating component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrically insulating substrate has a thermal conductivity of no greater than 0.5 Wm’¹k’¹.

5. The aerosol generating component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electrically insulating substrate is non-porous.

6. The aerosol generating component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the allotrope of carbon has a length of no greater than 5 mm and a width of no greater than 5 mm.

7. The aerosol generating component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the allotrope of carbon has a length of at least 0.5 mm and a width of at least 0.5 mm.

8. The aerosol generating component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the or each of the at least one aperture has a diameter of no greater than 500 pm.

9. The aerosol generating component according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the or each of the at least one aperture has a diameter of at least 50 pm.

10. The aerosol generating component according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the electrically insulating substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface are opposite from each other, wherein the allotrope of carbon is supported on the first surface.

11. The aerosol generating component according to claim 10, wherein the at least one aperture extends from the first surface to the second surface.

12. The aerosol generating component according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the distance between an edge defined by the perimeter of an aperture of the at least one aperture and an edge defined by the perimeter of any other aperture of the at least one aperture, along a surface of the electrically insulating substrate, is no greater than 1 mm.

13. The aerosol generating component according to claim 12, wherein the surface along which the distance is measured is the surface of the electrically insulating substrate on which the allotrope of carbon is supported.

14. The aerosol generating component according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed as a plurality of nanotubes.

15. The aerosol generating component of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed as an open-cell foam.

16. The aerosol generating component of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed as a plurality of flakes.

17. The aerosol generating component of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the allotrope of carbon has a total thickness of from 0.345 nm to 100 pm.

18. The aerosol generating component according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the allotrope of carbon is formed by one of printing, laser induced graphene formation, and chemical vapour deposition.

19. The aerosol generating component according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the or each of the at least one aperture defines a closed shape.

20. The aerosol generating component according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the allotrope of carbon at partially covers one, more than one, or each of the at least one aperture.

21 . The aerosol generating component of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the allotrope of carbon comprises disordered graphite and/or amorphous carbon.

22. The aerosol generating component of any one of claims 1 to 21 , wherein a Raman spectrum of the allotrope of carbon comprises a G band, and D band, wherein a G band peak is within a Raman shift range of about 1500 cm^-1 to about 1650 cm^-1, and a D band peak is within a Raman shift range of from about 1250 cm^-1 to about 1400 cm^-1, wherein a ratio I_D/IG of the intensity ID of the D band peak to the intensity IG of the G band peak is from about 0.8 to about 2, preferably from about 1 to about 1.8.

23. An assembly for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, the assembly comprising the aerosol generating component of any one of claim 1 to 22, and a first channel extending to the at least one aperture.

24. The assembly according to claim 23, wherein the first channel is a capillary channel.

25. The assembly according to claim 23 or 24 when dependent on claim 12, wherein the first channel is at least partially formed by the second surface.

26. The assembly according to claim 25, wherein the aerosol generating assembly comprises a structure, the second surface and the structure being spaced apart from each other so at to at least partially define the first channel.

27. A non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising: the aerosol generating component of any one of claims 1 to 22 or the aerosol generating assembly of any one of claims 23 to 26; and one or more of a power source and a controller.