Graphene applications: what is graphene used for? - Page 26

Researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) and Chonnam National University Medical School have developed graphene-based conductive hydrogel electrodes that offer convenience of use, controllable degradation, and excellent signal transmission. 

Implantable bioelectrodes are electronic devices that can monitor or stimulate biological activity by transmitting signals to and from living biological systems. Such devices can be fabricated using various materials and techniques. But, because of their intimate contact and interactions with living tissues, selection of the right material for performance and biocompatibility is crucial. Conductible hydrogels are attracting great attention as bioelectrode materials owing to their flexibility, compatibility, and excellent interaction ability. However, the absence of injectability and degradability in conventional conductive hydrogels limits their convenience of use and performance in biological systems. The researchers' new graphene-based conductive hydrogels possess injectability and tunable degradability, furthering the design and development of advanced bioelectrodes. 

Researchers from Germany's RWTH Aachen University, Forschungszentrum Jülich and Japan's National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) have found that bilayer graphene allows the realization of electron–hole double quantum dots that exhibit near-perfect particle–hole symmetry. Moreover, They showed that particle–hole symmetric spin and valley textures lead to a protected single-particle spin-valley blockade that will allow robust spin-to-charge and valley-to-charge conversion, which are essential for the operation of spin and valley qubits.

Quantum dots in semiconductors such as silicon or gallium arsenide are considered great candidates for hosting quantum bits in future quantum processors. The recent study essentially shows that bilayer graphene has even more to offer than other materials. The double quantum dots the researchers have created are characterized by a nearly perfect electron-hole-symmetry that allows a robust read-out mechanism – one of the necessary criteria for quantum computing. 

Gerdau Graphene has launched two new additives specifically formulated for the paint and coatings industry: NanoDUR and NanoLAV. The new additives, produced with the company's proprietary G2D technology, utilize graphene nanoplatelets to deliver improved performance for water-based paints and coatings — without altering pH levels. The additives also reduce or eliminate the need for some traditional manufacturing inputs, additives, and processes, which can lower production costs while improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

"Until recently, it has been virtually impossible for coatings manufacturers to upgrade product performance, slash manufacturing costs, and improve sustainability at the same time — it simply couldn't be done. Now, the application of carbon nanomaterials, such as graphene, in commercially available additives has made this possible and will act as a game-changer for the industry," said Alexandre de Toledo Corrêa, CEO of Gerdau Graphene. "NanoDUR and NanoLAV represent the new performance, economic, and sustainability edge for coatings manufacturers, enabling them to leapfrog competitors across the value chain. These are the newest in our growing portfolio of graphene additives and we're excited to partner with industry leaders to develop even more novel, powerful applications for graphene."

Directa Plus and Italian clothing group Alfredo Grassi have expanded their partnership in military and public sector workwear after a new public sector contract. To meet the contract, Grassi has ordered tens of thousands of linear meters of graphene-treated lining worth more than €700,000, which is to be delivered in 2023.

The two companies have been working in partnership since 2017 and Directa Plus said this latest deal would add to the recurring revenue stream from its patented Graphene Plus PTC technology.

Black Swan Graphene has announced a shipment of product to Nationwide Engineering Research & Development ("NERD") for an upcoming concrete pour in the United Kingdom. This commercial shipment follows the announcement of a partnership between Black Swan, NERD, and Arup Group Limited, aimed at providing an integrated supply chain and a turnkey solution to the concrete and construction industries.

The upcoming concrete pour will use Black Swan's graphene product in a total of 180 tonnes of concrete for the construction of an industrial park near Redruth, Southwest England. The industrial park will offer 14 industrial units ranging from 2,500 and 3,500 sq ft, with the graphene-enhanced concrete being used for the external concrete aprons. This is the second time this developer has used the technology provided by NERD, having previously used it in the construction of an industrial park in Warminster, approximately 170 km west of London, United Kingdom.

Following its September 2022 announcement on testing of icephobic coating technology, Zentek has now reported successful drone testing, where thrust was maintained under calibrated icing conditions of freezing drizzle and freezing rain in an outdoor, real-world environment. The drone with Zentek's icephobic coating applied to the propeller blades hovered under the outdoor icing rig and, on all tests conducted, maintained flight until the end of the battery life of the drone. The same drone with uncoated propeller blades rapidly lost the ability to maintain flight, according to the Company.

Zentek shared that the coating is a functionalized graphene oxide augmented elastomer.

Researchers from China's Qingdao University and Shenzhen University have developed a graphene-based proof-of-concept for a skin-friendly and wearable textile-based touch panel that converts a person's forearm into a keyboard or sketchpad. The three-layer, touch-responsive material translates what a user sketches or types into computer pictures.

Computer trackpads and electronic signature capture devices are not common in wearables. Researchers have proposed constructing flexible touch-responsive panels out of clear, electrically conductive hydrogels, but these materials are sticky, making writing on them difficult and uncomfortable for the skin. As a result, the research team sought to combine a comparable hydrogel into a comfortable fabric sleeve for drawing or playing computer games.

HydroGraph Clean Power has announced that its patented Hyperion System, designed for scaled-up production of high-purity graphene, achieved a key technology milestone to produce commercial scale quantities graphene. 

The Hyperion System will produce fractal graphene to serve various markets including lubricants, energy storage, resins, specialty chemicals, coatings and other markets. The validation process reportedly confirmed the capex cost per metric ton of graphene produced will be one of the lowest in the industry. The system can produce over 10 metric tons per year using readily available commodity acetylene and oxygen.

E2 Holdings, working with 2DM, recently launched an engine oil additive formulated with high purity graphene. The product, called NAMITEC, is said to improve fuel economy, restore power and performance, reduce noise and vibration, extend engine life and more. 

The Company explains that graphene as a lubricating additive can reduce the coefficient of friction due to its capability to produce a nano-bearing protective layer for the moving parts of your engine. SG Graphene NAMITEC engine oil additive is suitable for all gasoline and diesel engines, as well as machinery and tools.

Researchers at North Carolina State University (NC State), National Science and Technology Development Agency and NSTDA Characterization and Testing Service Center in Thailand have created a graphene-based cathode in the shape of a thread-like fiber. The researchers were then able to use the fiber to create a zinc-ion battery prototype that could power a wrist watch.

Battery prototype with thread-like cathode. Image from NCSU website

The proof-of-concept study is a step forward in the development of a fiber-shaped battery that could ultimately be integrated into garments.