A team of international researchers, led by The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and The University of Science and Technology (HKUST), recently made a discovery in the field of quantum materials, uncovering the controllable nonlinear Hall effect in twisted bilayer graphene. The findings shed new light on the unique properties of two-dimensional quantum moiré materials and hold promise for a wide range of applications in industries such as new materials and quantum information to achieve terahertz detection with ultra-high sensitivity at room temperature.

The team conducted in-depth research using a combination of theory, computation, and experiments. They discovered that by adjusting the dispersion of the topological flat bands in twisted bilayer graphene, the Berry curvature dipole moments, which play a crucial role in the Hall effect can be easily controlled and manipulated.

First Graphene has announced it has entered a Joint Development and Commercialization Agreement with the UK’s largest cement manufacturer, Breedon Group at their Hope Cement Works in the Peak District National Park.

The agreement will facilitate First Graphene’s development of a range of graphene-enhanced solutions to reduce the clinker factor of Breedon’s cement and as a result reduce its carbon emissions footprint.

Gerdau Graphene, in collaboration with Gerdau (its parent company and a major Brazilian steel manufacturer), has unveiled graphene-infused packaging for Gerdau’s nail product line manufactured at three facilities in Brazil. Utilizing the new packaging is expected to reduce Gerdau’s direct plastic consumption by around 25%, or more than 72 tons per year.

Produced with proprietary G2D technology, the new packaging incorporates 1% Poly-G PE-07GM, the company’s inaugural polymer masterbatch with graphene dispersed in polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Poly-G is suitable for the production of films, profiles, and sheets formed through the extrusion processes. The new thermoplastic products created using Poly-G PE-07GM are reportedly proven to be stronger and offer greater overall performance while costing less to manufacture and producing significantly less waste across the value chain. In addition, the products are lighter and longer-lasting, reducing total plastic waste by up to 40%.

UK-based Graft Polymer has joined a consortium led by the Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences relating to the GrinShield Project Twinning program for new graphene-based composites in electromagnetic interference shielding. The initiative, supported by French, German and Slovenian teams, was formed in response to the growing demand for materials that can mitigate the effects of electromagnetic waves (EWs).

Graft Polymer will contribute its GRAFTALLOY MP-UHMWPE and NANO graphene emulsions to the project. These materials will undergo rigorous testing procedures by the institute, culminating in a joint research and development report due for completion in 2025.

Researchers from the University of California San Diego and the University of Southern Mississippi recently designed a graphene-enhanced structural supercapacitor. Structural supercapacitors hold promise to expand the energy capacity of a system by integrating load-bearing and energy-storage functions in a multifunctional structure, resulting in weight savings and safety improvements. 

As a proof of concept, the researchers used their structural supercapacitor to build a miniature solar-powered boat. The supercapacitor was molded to form the boat’s hull and then fitted with a small motor and circuit. The circuit was connected to a solar cell. When exposed to sunlight, the solar cell charges the supercapacitor, which in turn powers the boat’s motor. In tests, the boat was able to cruise across the water, demonstrating the efficacy of this innovative energy storage solution.

Lyten has announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, the Minister of Finance Yuriko Backes and the Minister of the Economy Franz Fayot to locate its European headquarters in Luxembourg. 

Lyten is also exploring opportunities to establish research and development capabilities in Luxembourg, including infrastructure to support collaboration with European customers on applications utilizing Lyten’s 3D Graphene platform. The facility would build on R&D in IoT sensing that Lyten already has ongoing in Luxembourg with an industry partner for the mobility sector.

Astra Energy has announced a strategic partnership agreement with Sustainable Energy Technologies (”SETI”) to supply Astra with the SETI Power Pack (SPP), the Company’s next generation energy storage solution that is a hybrid Graphene/Lithium-ion Supercapacitor intended to replace the need for traditional batteries.

In the PR, it was stated that: "When coupled with SETI Power Packs, the Holcomb Energy Systems (“HES”) In-Line Power Generator (“ILPG”) and the HES Self-Sustaining Power Plant in particular, are optimized to provide the end user with near continuous energy generation capability. Installing SPPs in series with an ILPG will enhance the overall effectiveness across the charge and discharge cycles, resulting in maximized operating efficiency of the HES Self-Sustaining Power Plant".

First Graphene has announced positive results from the first phase of the Company’s graphene enhanced cement trials in the United Kingdom.
Approximately 600 tonnes of graphene enhanced cement was produced at the UK's largest cement processing facility, operated by Breedon Cement. Graphene was consistently dosed and dispersed into a cement grinding mill using standard process equipment.

It was reported that during the production trials, the PureGRAPH® enhanced grinding aid performed adeptly, maintaining a consistent and highly stable feed. The operating conditions remained unchanged during the dispersion of graphene, and the cement produced conformed with Breedon’s strict
quality control parameters.

First Graphene (FGR) has announced it has signed a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Abu Dhabi-headquartered integrated services provider EMDAD Group (EMDAD).

The agreement brings the parties together to collaboratively develop and provide a proposal to fund, design, build and commission a small scale, hydrodynamic cavitation reactor using First Graphene’s Kainos Technology. The proposal will ultimately lead to the commissioning of a reactor that will convert petroleum feedstock from oil producers to battery grade graphite, graphene and hydrogen.

Concretene has announced three successful UK government funding bids, two through Innovate UK, totaling £1.18 million (around USD$1,430,000), and one through EPSRC and the Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials for £79,000 (about USD$95,000).

The product – a graphene-enhanced admixture for concrete that reduces embodied carbon – is being developed for commercial roll-out by Nationwide Engineering Research & Development and The University of Manchester. The grant awards relate to Concretene’s core research program, from raw material supply through to construction applications.