Graphene-Info: the graphene experts

While silk protein has been used in designer electronics, its use is currently limited in part because silk fibers are a messy tangle of spaghetti-like strands. To address this, researchers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, University of Washington, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, North Carolina State University and Xiamen University have developed a uniform two-dimensional (2D) layer of silk protein fragments, or "fibroins," on graphene. 

Scheme of silk fibroin assembly on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) characterized by in situ AFM. Image from Science Advances

The scientists explained that their work provides a reproducible method for silk protein self-assembly that is essential for designing and fabricating silk-based electronics. They said that the system is nontoxic and water-based, which is vital for biocompatibility.

Researchers from Korea, including ones from Seoul National University and Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, have developed a room-temperature self-activated graphene gas sensor functionalized by nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles and demonstrated its application to wearable devices monitoring ammonia gas.

The team introduced NiO nanoparticles onto graphene micropatterns to create a highly selective and sensitive ammonia sensor that can operate effectively even in the demanding conditions of wearable electronics. This advancement represents a potential step forward in sensor technology, particularly for applications such as food quality monitoring and wearable devices that track air quality.

Researchers from Kumamoto University and Hiroshima University have announced a significant development in hydrogen ion barrier films using graphene oxide (GO) without internal pores. This approach could be beneficial for protective coatings for various applications.

In their study, the research team successfully synthesized and developed a pore-free GO (Pf-GO) membrane with controlled oxygen functional groups. Traditionally, GO has been known for its high ionic conductivity, which made it challenging to use as an ion barrier. However, by eliminating the internal pores, the team created a material with dramatically improved hydrogen ion barrier properties.

Premier Graphene, HGI Industrial Technologies and Defense Atomics have announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing the production and application of graphene in ballistic protection technologies. This collaboration brings together expertise from the three parties to meet the growing demand for high-performance ballistic solutions.

The partnership focuses on the feasibility studies and testing of hardware developed by Defense Atomics, that integrates advanced graphene solutions for enhanced ballistic protection, ensuring compliance with the security protocols required for classified government contracts.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge, University College London, Imperial College London, Kumoh National Institute of Technology (KIT) and Beihang University have developed a wearable ‘smart’ choker for speech recognition, that has the potential to redefine the field of silent speech interface (SSI) thanks to embedded ultrasensitive textile strain sensor technology.

Where verbal communication is hindered, such as in locations with lots of background noise or where an individual has an existing speech impairment, SSI systems are a cutting-edge solution, enabling verbal communication without vocalization. As such, it is a type of electronic lip-reading using human-computer interaction. In their recent research, the scientists applied an overlying structured graphene layer to an integrated textile strain sensor for robust speech recognition performance, even in noisy environments.

Researchers from Advanced Material Development (AMD) and the University of Sussex have announced what they refer to as "a major enhancement" in their carbon nanomaterial-based inks, reaching conductivity levels of 3,000,000 Sm-¹, approaching the performance of incumbent metal-based solutions.

With years of experience with graphitic inks, that previously achieved industry-best conductivity of 500,000 Sm-¹ (several times more conductive than other non-metal inks) - the latest breakthrough seems to significantly raise the bar. 

Infinity Turbine, developer of sustainable energy storage solutions, has unveiled an approach to electrode fabrication that combines fiber laser heat treating, 3D additive manufacturing, and laser-induced carbonization. This synergistic technology enables the direct transformation of carbon-rich materials like sugar and wood fibers (including bamboo) into hard carbon or graphene-like structures. The resulting 3D-printed electrodes are set to revolutionize the manufacturing of Salgenx saltwater flow batteries, gas processing, and electrocatalyst applications.

Salgenx is developing saltwater flow batteries as a solution for safe, environmentally friendly grid-scale energy storage. With the introduction of 3D-printed carbon electrodes, Infinity Turbine can enhance the battery’s efficiency by providing a high-conductivity, high-surface-area electrode structure. The combination of laser-induced graphene and tailored 3D-printed geometries reportedly allows for faster ion exchange, improved energy density, and longer battery life, all while using sustainable, carbon-rich materials. The concept of a 3D printed electrode reduces manufacturing time and complexity, resulting in more efficient electrode production with just-in-time (JIT) technology integration and decreased inventory costs.