Graphene-Info: the graphene experts

Researchers at Valencia's Polytechnic University (UPV) have developed new devices that store electric charge in textile materials, which could be used to, for example, charge mobile phones. These are supercondensers placed on active carbon tissues that stand out due to their electric properties and high level of power.

The study focused on using textile materials as electrodes. In this case, the devices that were designed and tested make use of active carbon, graphene and polyaniline, a polymer with high capabilities that is already broadly used in textile materials.

Scientists at the University of Oregon have designed a new method of measuring light—with the help of microscopic drums to hear light. The technology, known as a “graphene nanomechanical bolometer,” detects almost every color of light at high temperatures and high speeds.

“This tool is the fastest and most sensitive in its class,” said Benjamín Alemán, a professor of physics and a member of the University of Oregon’s Center for Optical, Molecular, and Quantum Science and an associate of the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact.

Directa Plus has raised gross proceeds of roughly £0.2 million (almost $260,000 USD) through an open offer and £7.4 million (around $9.6 million USD) through the placing and open offer, before expenses.

The graphene specialist last month agreed to buy a majority stake in one of its oil services partners, Romanian firm Setcar, which Directa's CEO called "a transformational acquisition".

University of New South Wales (UNSW) scientists, led by Dr Rakesh Joshi of the UNSW School of Materials Science and Engineering, have demonstrated that graphene membranes can be used to purify methane that is present in biogas generated during the breakdown of materials in wastewater plants.

The research indicates that it is possible to purify methane from biogas in a wastewater treatment plant environment, creating a potential source of renewable energy. Biogas, a mixture of methane and other impurities, is produced during anaerobic digestion in wastewater treatment – the process of bacteria seperating biodegradable material.

A collaboration between three Australian universities has produced a new graphene metamaterial that could be used in solar heating. The ultrathin film also has potential to be used in desalination, for displays, or even as cloaking technology.

Swinburne University of Technology’s Professor Baohua Jia, who led the research, points to a few features that make the material so innovative: “The absorption is coming from the sun and then converted to heat,” she said, “So, basically, there is no external energy or electricity required.” The film heats up to 160 degrees Celsius under natural sunlight within one minute.

Advanced battery anode materials and graphene additives provider Talga Resources has announced that it has executed a Memorandum of Understanding with Switzerland-based Leclanché, a leading provider of high quality energy storage solutions.

Under the MoU Leclanché will evaluate Talga’s range of Swedish anode products, Talnode, in its batteries with the intention to develop commercial products for the lithium-ion battery industry.

A research team led by Graphene Flagship partners Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Italy, and Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, together with a team at the University of Modena, Italy, has created a new qualitative graphene-based sensor for morphine, that could be used by police to detect opiate abuse using suspects' urine samples.

Morphine is the main metabolite of heroin. The new sensor provides a fast-acting 'rough test' that yields a positive response if morphine concentration in urine exceeds a certain threshold. The sensor could be used by police forces during criminal investigations and roadside stops, in a similar way to how breathalyzers are used to test alcohol levels in suspected drunk drivers.