Purdue University researchers developed a graphene-based frequency tripler with a spectral output purity greater than 70% (a considerable improvement over current tripler technology), which could offer high efficiency performance for various electronic components in areas like boradcasting and communications.

This technology addresses the output power at third harmonic while allowing for signal amplification for conversion gain in a scaled device. The researchers say graphene is a perfect fit fot this application due to its high carrier mobility trait.

The Institute of Electronics Materials Technology (ITME) in Poland started to produce high quality large graphene sheets.

The graphene production is done on a SECO/WARWICK reactor, co-financed with government aid under the Grafmet project. It utilizes an all-metal thermal work zone and a high vacuum system with turbo molecular pump to allow production of graphene sheets in sizes up to 500 x 500 mm.

2-DTech, British maker and supplier of 2D materials and University of Manchester spin-off, announced cooperation with Australian solar technology company Dyesol to develop graphene-enhanced solid state dye-sensitized photovoltaic cells. This project follows the £98,000 grant from InnovateUK that 2-DTech received in order to to partner up with Dyesol to explore solid state dye-sensitized solar cells.

Such thin film solar cells are relatively inexpensive to make and have numerous deployment advantages, but their use is hindered by lower power conversion efficiency and shorter operational lifespans than crystalline silicon PV cells. This project aims to explore the possibility of incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) within the perovskite charge collecting regions of solid-state dye-sensitised solar cells so that efficiency levels can be boosted.

Researchers at the Rice University have devised a process in which a computer-controlled laser burns through a polymer to create flexible, patterned sheets of multilayer graphene that may be suitable for electronics or energy storage. The process works in air at room temperature, cancelling the need for hot furnaces and controlled environments.

The product of this process is not a 2D piece of graphene but a porous foam of interconnected flakes about 20 microns thick. The laser doesn't cut all the way through the base material, so the foam remains attached to a flexible plastic base.

The University of Manchester's Graphene Department created a series of new videos that show the uses of Graphene, with an emphasis placed on graphene membranes. This is the first of the series, with more to come.

Catlike, a Spanish sports equipment company, launched a 2015 line of graphene-enhanced cycling shoes called Whisper. The company declares this line a product of intensive R&D that created successful fusion of materials like carbon, graphene and nylon to maximize quality and performance.

The Whisper line includes several models intended for different purposes. The Whisper Road is the first cycling shoe that incorporates a sole that is infused with Graphene. That boosts strength without adding weight. The sole is super light and ergonomically curved and the outer part of the Whisper Road incorporates Clarino microfiber, which makes heat dissipates in warm weather and retained in cold weather. This model will cost €209.99 and will be available around Christmas 2014-2015.

Australian scientists from the Wollongong University developed a graphene-based 'bionic bra', which has now reached the prototype stage. The bra automatically tightens and loosens in response to breast movements, to provide maximum support and comfort.

Work on this technology began in 2000, and it is based on three aspects: sensors and actuators that allow detection of movements, 3D printing which enables the materials to monitor movement and the fabric to respond and graphene fibers (wet spinning produced) that are knitted into a wearable structure to form the bra and monitor movement. The bra contains 'artificial muscles' that receive the movement data and respond accordingly.

Graphene 3D Lab announced signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire Boots Industries, a Canadian 3D printer manufacturer. Graphene 3D Lab intends to purchase all Boots Industries assets and hire a team of Boots Industries in an all-share transaction estimated at $500,000 CAD.

Graphene 3D Lab plans to create a proprietary 3D printer with the capability of printing functional and electronic devices and optimized to maximize performance of Graphene 3D functional printing materials.

Cambridge Nanosystems (CNS) was spun-off from the University of Cambridge last year with with an aim to supply graphene and SWCNT materials. The company recently started building a 5-yearly ton graphene factory with the help of a £500,000 grant from the Technology Strategy Board. The new factory is due to open in 2015.

Catharina Paukner, the company's chief scientist, was kind enough to answer a few questions we had on the company and its technology and also share her views on the graphene market.

Researchers from the Polish Institute of Electronic Materials Technology, together with Seco-Wawreick, developed a prototype able to produce a sheet of graphene with a surface area of 50x50 cm within four hours. It is considered to be one of the most efficient graphene producing equipment in the world.

This prototype is hoped to be able to undercut graphene market prices and allow large scale production. However, it is currently unavailable for commercial uses as it was financed by the National Centre for Research and Development. Some sources claim a similar machine will be commercially ready next year.