Graphene-Info: the graphene experts

INBRAIN Neuroelectronics, a brain-computer interface therapeutics (BCI-Tx) company developing graphene-based neural technologies, has announced the closing of a $50 million Series B financing round. The round was led by imec.xpand with new investors EIC Fund, Fond ICO Next Tech, CDTI-Innvierte and Avançsa. Existing investors Asabys Partners, Aliath Bioventures and Vsquared also participated, bringing the total amount raised since inception to $68 million.

In addition to the Series B round, INBRAIN also secured additional funding and support from Merck KGaA to advance the clinical development of its technology in Merck’s therapeutic areas of interest. This partnership will boost the translation of INBRAIN’s platform to human use, expanding its impact across both central and peripheral nervous system applications.

First Graphene has reported a promising quarter ending September 2024, with significant developments including a collaboration to enhance perovskite solar cells and a research initiative in the hydrogen sector. 

The company has generated approximately A$164,000 (almost USD$108,000) in income, capitalizing on graphene sales and development programs, and is looking to expand its market presence with new commercial opportunities in various sectors. These strategic moves aim to boost revenue and enhance shareholder value.

CRX Coatings, a Tennessee-based company specializing in graphene-formulated coatings, has entered into the boating industry by launching its new X21 Foul Release Bottom Paint.

CRX Coatings has developed a non-ablative, copper free, biocide-free graphene formula specifically for marine applications. Their innovative approach reportedly ensures maximum performance and durability for boat owners.

Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS), and Deliarts recently presented an interdisciplinary approach combining materials science, ultrasonication, artistic expression, and curatorial practice to develop graphene-enhanced ceramics, improving strength and aesthetics. The focus of the approach was incorporating graphene oxide (GO) into kaolin clay and exploring its effects on material properties. 

Image taken from: technologynetworks.com, Credit: Daria Andreeva, National University of Singapore, and Delia Prvački, Deliarts Pte Ltd.

In recent years, scientists have been adding GO to ceramic slurries — consisting of particles of kaolin clay or other materials dispersed in water — to make fired ceramics more durable and resistant to thermal shock. The team adapted this technique by using ultrasound to better mix the GO into kaolin slurries. They adjusted GO concentration and ultrasound exposure time to find the conditions that most enhanced the resulting ceramics’ strength and heat resistance. The team also collaborated with artist-in-residence Delia Prvački, who created works from the new ceramic material that are on display at the National University of Singapore Museum. 

Haydale has announced that, further to its previous announcement on plans to raise funds, it has successfully completed the Fundraising which is now closed.

The Fundraising has successfully raised in aggregate £3 million (around USD$3.9 million). This comprises £2.5 million (about USD$3.25 million) raised through the Placing and Subscription of New Ordinary Shares, and the rest was raised through subscriptions for Convertible Loan Notes from Octopus Investments. 

It was reported that Indian electric vehicle brand Komaki has introduced the new model of Cat 3.0 NXT that comes with two battery variants, Graphene and LIPO4, and will be available for Rs. 1,19,999 (around USD$1400) and Rs. 1,49,999 (almost USD$1800). The unveiling of this EV is aimed at last-mile delivery operators, enabling sustainable all-day use and supporting SMEs and MSMEs in growing their businesses. 

The EV features app-based battery options, Graphene and LIPO4, giving a range of over 180 km to 200 km on a single charge, depending on the battery type. 

Researchers at the National University of Singapore, working with colleagues from Manchester University and Guangdong University of Technology, have developed a sponge-like material made of graphene oxide and chitosan, that can be used to extract gold from electronic waste. In their recent study, the research team describes how they made their sponge and how well it worked during testing.

Previous research has shown that removing gold, silver and other metals from electronic equipment that is no longer useful, as a way to recycle such materials, is a difficult task that often results in low yields and the generation of a variety of toxic pollutants. In this new work, the team has found a way to remove the gold in a way that is cheaper and cleaner than conventional methods and much more efficient as well.