October 2024

Bio Graphene Solutions (BGS) has shared results of a successful trial with "one of North America’s premier precast concrete manufacturers", which reportedly saw a significant material improvement and cost savings using the BGS patent-pending organic graphene admixture.

Looking to reduce its cement content by 10%, the manufacturer ultimately saw an overall admixture cost reduction of 47% as it eliminated the need for a lubricating aid commonly used to improve concrete workability. Reducing cement is a goal for many manufacturers given its high cost both economically and environmentally (due to high carbon content). In addition to cost savings, the manufacturer is said to have observed that concrete strength tests exceeded expectations, withstanding 8,000 to 17,000 lbs of pressure without stress cracking/breaking, and that the new admixture provided 28 day strength at 43% above the requirement. In addition, there were no flowability or friction issues reported, and no significant sagging or workability noted. The results were said to have met or exceeded the manufacturer’s existing standard, while fitting seamlessly into their existing process.

Researchers at the Technical University of Liberec (Czech Republic) and Lodz University of Technology (Poland) have developed a silver/graphene flexible composite electrode using inkjet printing technology for high-performance supercapacitors. 

The scientists chose rGO as the primary material for the electrode active layer. The rGO active layer was in-situ printed and reduced on the polypropylene non-woven fabric, and silver nanoparticles were simultaneously inserted and reduced to increase the interlayer spacing of the rGO active layer, which effectively reduced the self-stacking effect of rGO and improved the overall electrochemical performance. 

Researchers at the University of Virginia, Ajou University and Soongsil University have developed an AI-powered system that mimics the human sense of smell to detect and track toxic gases in real time. Using advanced artificial neural networks combined with a network of sensors, the system quickly identifies the source of harmful gases like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) that poses severe respiratory health risks.

Schematic of biological and artificial olfactory receptor. Biological receptors interact with odor molecules through specific binding, whereas artificial receptors use catalytic dissociation by Pd nano-islands for selective gas molecule adsorption on graphene surfaces. Image credit: Science Advances

The artificial olfactory receptor features nano-islands of metal-based catalysts that cover a graphene surface on the heterostructure of an AlGaN/GaN two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) channel. Catalytically dissociated NO₂ molecules bind to graphene, thereby modulating the conductivity of the 2DEG channel and allowing the system to detect gas leaks with extreme sensitivity.

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.