A group of researchers, led by Prof. WANG Zhenyang from the Institute of Solid State Physics of the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS), has reported a novel graphene-based method to prepare high-performance supercapacitors with ultra-high energy storage density.

Schematic illustration for the improved laser inducing growth process of ultra-thick 3D graphene frameworks with hierarchical pores. (Image by CAS)

The team explained that constructing 3D graphene frameworks with ultra-thickness and rich ion transport paths is of great significance for the practical application of graphene supercapacitors. However, in thicker electrodes, the overall energy storage capability is limited by insufficient delivery of ions to the electrode material surface and the poor electron transport properties.

ZEN Graphene Solutions has announced that it has signed a binding letter of intent (LOI) with Trebor Rx Corp. (Trebor), a Canadian personal protective equipment mask manufacturer with an initial production facility.

This LOI includes the initial purchase of ZEN’s patent pending graphene-based viricidal coating for a minimum of 100 million masks/filters. This initial minimum order is for the first year and is subject to Health Canada approvals.

Researchers from the University of Nottingham’s Centre for Additive Manufacturing (CfAM) have reported a breakthrough in the study of 3D printing electronic devices with graphene.

Characterization of the fully inkjet‐printed graphene/hBN FET. Photo from article

The scientists utilized an inkjet-based 3D printing technique to deposit inks that contained flakes of graphene, in a promising step towards replacing single-layer graphene as a contact material for 2D metal semiconductors.

Australia-based graphene manufacturer and solutions provider Graphene Manufacturing Group (GMG) has announced the completion of a AUD$3 million (almost USD$2.2 million) Series C raise, with just over AUD$1.7 million (around USD$1.2 million) from capital pool company Cuspis Capital of Canada.

The Brisbane-based company creates graphene nanoplatelets in powder or liquid form from a hydrocarbon feedstock, with claimed superiority in volumes and tailorability of their products through this approach.

Archer Materials has announced that it has started building its lab-on-chip biosensing device, A1 Biochip, which could potentially be capable of simplifying disease detection. According to Archer, it will be designing and building its own biochip, which means it will no longer need prototyping sensor materials, graphene inks, 2D/3D printing, or circuit boards.

Developing the biochip product will speed up the commercialization of the biochip.

First Graphene, in collaboration with Kainos Innovation, has been awarded a grant by the UK Government to progress the development of an innovative route to green hydrogen and battery grade materials.

The grant was awarded by Innovate UK under the UK’s Sustainable Innovation fund for the progression of unique process technology invented and patented by Kainos Innovation which directly converts low-cost hydrocarbon feedstocks to graphene materials and hydrogen gas. The technology requires the expertise of First Graphene to prototype manufacturing scale-up and commercial application development.

Graphenea recently introduced a new service for the graphene industry, a custom graphene oxide (GO) dispersion service. This service provides researchers with an opportunity to receive GO in a solvent and at a concentration which is most compatible with their application.

According to Graphenea, its GO is noted for its mechanical and thermal properties, in addition to having a high monolayer content (>95%). This service not only offers researchers the option of receiving GO in water at a custom concentration, but also GO dispersed into: Acetone, DMF, DMSO, Ethanol, IPA, Methanol, NMP, Tetra butyl-acetate, or Toluene.

Integrated Graphene (formerly known as RD Graphene), developers of hyper-sensitive 3D graphene foam electrodes, have set their aims on the human diagnostics market and are aiming to enable better biosensors with improved performance and speed. The company has launched its flagship 3D graphene foam process in their first product, Gii-Sens.

The company launched its first product in conjunction with its new Integrated Graphene brand, in hopes that these steps will mark the first steps on an ambitious commercial journey to establish themselves as a leading producer of pure 3D graphene foam. In addition, the Company led a funding round in which it has raised £3.1 million (almost USD$4 million). This latest investment round follows £300,000 in seed funding from six private investors in March 2019, plus a variety of grant funding totaling £1.8m raised since 2014.

Battery anode developer Talga Resources has announced that it has received a commitment for a ~AU$1.8 million (around USD1.3 million) UK Government grant to complete a feasibility study into the commerciality of a Talga UK Anode Refinery.

The UK government has recently announced a series of economic stimulus packages, including a £1 billion Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF), towards boosting the domestic electric vehicle and lithium-ion battery economy in collaboration between the Advanced Propulsion Centre, the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, Innovate UK and the Department for International Trade.

Estonian startup Skeleton Technologies has raised €41.3 million ($48.5 million) in Series D financing round, bringing its total capital raised to over €93 million ($109 million).

New investors include leading European industrial investors and a group of entrepreneurs "that grew payments company Adyen from its inception to successful IPO", according to reports from Skeleton. In addition, all existing investors in the company joined the equity raise: EIT InnoEnergy early investors in European gigafactory startup Northvolt — FirstFloor Capital, MM Grupp and Harju Elekter.