Researcher from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Royal Holloway, University of London, and Sweden's Linkoping University compared three commonly used measurement techniques: frequency-modulated Kelvin probe force microscopy (FM-KPFM), amplitude-modulated Kelvin probe force microscopy (AM-KPFM) and electrostatic force spectroscopy (EFS). They say that FM-KPFM and EFS (both frequency-modulated techniques) offer more accurate surface potential and higher spatial resolution, compared to KPFM (amplitude-modulated).

The researchers hope that their research is a step towards standardizing important electrical parameters of graphene such as surface potential and work function. They suggest a route towards graphene measurement standardization made in ambient conditions, rather than in vacuum (because these conditions are more representative of the environments found in general research laboratories and industry).

Researchers from Stanford developed a new way to produce graphene ribbons using DNA strands. GNRs have a bandgap and so can be used as building blocks for transistors, and indeed the researchers produced transistors based on GNRs produced using this new process.

The process goes like this: it starts with a silicon substrate, dipped in a DNA solution (derived from bacteria). They then combed the DNA strands into relatively straight lines (using a common technique). They exposed the DNA to a copper salt solution which allowed the copper ions to be absorbed into the DNA.

The Korean Intellectual Property Office posted some interesting figures today. They report that Korean companies are securing essential patents related to the commercialization of graphene - and several companies are making inroads into graphene production and manufacturing transparent graphene-based displays.

Between 2005 and June 2013 a total of 2,921 graphene-related patents have been applied for in Korea, and the rate is accelerating quickly. 93% of those patents have been applied for by Korean individuals and organizations.

Researchers from the Naval Research Laboratory at George Mason University report that graphene can replace Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) in glucose sensors. The researchers use multilayered graphene petal nanosheets enhanced with platinum nanoparticles and enzyme glucose oxidase to monitor glucose concentrations found in saliva, tears, blood, and urine.

In past research, the researchers used CNTs with platinum nanoparticles to provide sensitive sensors. But these sensors were not stable as spacing of the nanoparticles on the CNTs significantly impacted the biosensor performance (as glucose diffusion is blocked when nanoparticles are too closely packed). In addition, they suffered from diffusion restrictions from neighboring nanoparticles.

Turkey's Grafen reports first results from their graphene liquid-phased exfoliation research (conducted with help from Ukraine's National Academy of Sciences - BPCI). The new method uses direct liquid-phase exfoliation of graphite to create graphene sheets and it creates unique product crystallinity and lower environmental footprint.

Grafen reports that initial atomic force microscopy (AFM) data shows multilayered graphene sheets, 10-15 nm in thickness and about 0.5 um in diameter proving great potential of the process. Hopefully we'll hear more from Grafen about this new process and more results soon.

Grafoid and ProScan Rx Pharma announced a new joint-venture partnership to develop MesoGraf graphene-based nanotechnology platform for the precise targeting and thermal eradication of solid cancer tumors. This new platform aims to overcome the side effects and strong limitations of common cancer therapies.

The two companies established a new company called Calevia. Grafoid invested in Calevia and will co-manage the company. The new company will first target prostate cancer using ProScan’s anti-PSMA antibody. The new company will use a partially edge-functionalized MesoGraf derivative called MesoGraf Xide. This nanomaterial instantly transforms near infrared (NIR) light into heat.

Researchers have been trying to create multi-layer graphene flakes in perfect structure. This crease van der Waals heterostructures that can behaves in new ways compared to other graphene structures. But it's difficult to create such a structure.

Researchers from China's Nankai University developed a new method that may enable such structures easily. The new process starts with graphene flakes, then carves them into a any shape desired (using a laser), and then picks them up so they can be transferred elesewhere. This may prove to be an important step towards Van der Waals heterostructures.