Graphene composites

Sparc Technologies has secured AUD$1.12 million (around USD$730,000) in an R&D tax refund, under the Australian Government's R&D Tax Incentive, relating to the 2024 financial year. 

It was stated that this financial boost comes as a recognition of Sparc’s commitment to advancing sustainable technologies in high-performance coatings and polymers. This refund will strengthen the company’s cash position thereby providing continued support for Sparc's investment in Sparc Hydrogen, ecosparc® field trials and its work developing graphene based additives for high performance coatings and polymers

Researchers from CNR-IOM, University of Milano-Bicocca, University of Trieste and University of Vienna have developed a method to create new materials that combine the extraordinary properties of single metal atoms with the robustness, flexibility, and versatility of graphene.

Co and Ni adatoms diffusing across the substrate surface before being incorporated in the growing edge of the Gr layer. Image from: Science Advances 

The method involves the controlled deposition of metal atoms, such as cobalt, during the formation of the graphene layer on a nickel surface. Some of these atoms are incorporated into the carbon network of graphene, creating a material with exceptional properties of robustness, reactivity, and stability even under critical conditions.

HydroGraph Clean Power has announced a technological advancement in its sustainable plastic packaging research. 

As the global polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging industry faces unprecedented regulatory pressure to reduce virgin plastic consumption, HydroGraph has found that its Fractal Graphene powder (FGA-1) can dramatically improve the performance and sustainability of PET bottles.

Researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials and Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SEOULTECH) have shown that laser-induced graphene (LIG), patterned with femtosecond laser pulses, can serve as a versatile material for temperature/strain sensing, stray light absorption, and heat management for smart spacesuits and telescopes. 

Direct laser writing of laser-induced graphene (LIG). Image from: Advanced Functional Materials 

The team has developed a manufacturing technique that addresses the challenges posed by the harsh conditions that space equipment must function in. The scientists' new process uses precisely controlled laser pulses to transform a Kevlar's surface into a porous graphene structure, effectively converting ordinary Kevlar fabric into a multifunctional material. 

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. 

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.

A research team consisting of private sector and academic partners and led by NETL (a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that drives innovation and delivers solutions for a clean and secure energy future) is working on a new ultra-conductive carbon (graphite and graphene) aluminum composite cable technology that could increase the electrical conductivity and strength of transmission cables leading to higher grid capacity and efficiency to accommodate future power generation demand.

In addition to NETL, the research team includes, Ohio University, MetalKraft Technologies, Frisk Alloy, Hydro Extensions, General Graphene Corporation and CONSOL Innovations.

Singapore-based Memsift Innovations has entered into a technology transfer agreement with Singapore’s Ngee Ann Polytechnic on an innovative graphene membrane technology.

It was explained that the technology, featuring graphene oxide-based hollow fiber ultrafiltration and nanofiltration membranes, was developed based on over a decade of research and development. The ultrafiltration technology utilizes a graphene oxide-block copolymer composite renowned for its exceptional chemical and thermal stability, making it ideal for harsh industrial applications. Its unique surface chemistry forms a protective water layer that effectively prevents fouling. The nanofiltration technology employs a robust single-layer modified graphene oxide membrane with synthetic water channels, enhancing selectivity and permeability. This enables efficient molecular-level separation and differentiation between monovalent and multivalent ions.

Swedish startup Graphmatech has launched its AROS Polyamide-Graphene composites, which are reported to reduce hydrogen leakage by 83% compared to traditional commercial storage solutions. The graphene-enhanced material will be dedicated to hydrogen storage and transport applications. Graphmatech expects the solution to be implemented in approximately 1,000 light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and 500 heavy commercial vehicles by 2027.

The composite combines polyamide grades with graphene, “effectively blocking hydrogen from escaping while also making the plastic stronger”. Additionally, Graphmatech secured SEK 10 million (almost USD$949,000) from the Swedish Energy Agency to support the development and deployment of a modular mobile pilot-scale extrusion line for its polymer graphene materials designed for hydrogen applications.

Versarien has shared updates on its progress across several key sectors and markets, reporting a growing pipeline of opportunities, rising from £1.6 million (over USD$2 million) in October 2023 to £4.7 million currently (over USD$6,100,000), with £1.6 million (over USD$2 million) in commercial opportunities and £3.1 million (over USD$4 million) in grants. The Company said it continued to focus on developing advanced materials, especially graphene, through manufacturing-light operations and technology licensing.

In the construction sector, the company said it had placed orders for equipment to enhance its in-house construction testing capabilities following a July fundraising. The equipment would support the development of graphene-based products, such as Cementene. Versarien said it had also signed its first significant 3D construction printing (3DCP) contract with Building For Humanity CIC for a project in Accrington, UK. The Company anticipated on-site activities to begin in 2025.