Graphene applications: what is graphene used for? - Page 3

Researchers from Penn State recently developed a portable and wireless device to simultaneously detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and vitamin C, a critical nutrient that helps bolster infection resistance, by integrating commercial transistors with printed laser-induced graphene.  

By simultaneously detecting the virus and vitamin C levels, the test could help individuals and their health care providers decide on more effective treatment options, the researchers said. For example, someone with low vitamin C levels may benefit from a supplemental boost, while someone with normal or high vitamin C levels may need to consider other options.  

Researchers from Canada's University of Ottawa, Iridian Spectral Technologies and University of Bayreuth in Germany have developed combined methods to enhance THz nonlinearities in graphene-based structures. The team's innovative methods aim to enhance frequency conversion of terahertz (THz) waves in graphene-based structures, unlocking new potential for faster, more efficient technologies in wireless communication and signal processing.

Schematic of the experimental configuration at the sample position to generate and detect THz third harmonic generation. Image from:  Light: Science & Applications 

THz waves, located in the far-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, can be used to perform non-invasive imaging through opaque materials for security and quality control applications. Additionally, these waves hold promise for wireless communication. Advances in THz nonlinear optics, which can be used to change the frequency of electromagnetic waves, are essential for the development of high-speed wireless communication and signal processing systems for 6G technologies and beyond.

Various reports suggest that the entire iPhone 17 lineup, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, will use a heat dissipation technology called "vapor chamber (VC) cooling system". It is not quite clear, however, which of these models will use combined VC technology and graphene sheets, and which will use only one of these thermal management technologies. 

As the iPhone 15 Pro is known to face overheating issues, Apple turned to using graphene sheets in the thermal system when launching the iPhone 16 Pro. To further enhance the cooling mechanism, iPhone 17 models may also adopt vapor chamber technology.

Würzburg University researchers have created a defect in graphene that allows ions to pass through, which could lead to new applications in water filtration or sensor technology.

The Würzburg model system consisting of two nanographene layers that can absorb and bind chloride ions (green) through a defect in the crystal lattice. (Image: Kazutaka Shoyama / Universität Würzburg)

Defects that allow scientists to control the permeability of graphene for different substances can be very useful: ‘So-called defects can be created in the carbon lattice of graphene. These can be thought of as small holes that make the lattice permeable to gases,’ says chemistry professor Frank Würthner from Julius-Maximilians-Universität (JMU) Würzburg in Germany.

ADNOC Gas and Baker Hughes have installed Levidian’s LOOP technology at the Habshan Gas Processing Plant. The Gulf operator claims it marks the first-ever deployment of the technology at an operational gas processing site.

Carbon will be captured from methane, the main constituent of natural gas, and transformed into graphene, as part of a pilot trial. The LOOP unit is capable of producing more than 1 tonne per annum (tpa) of graphene and 1 tpa of hydrogen, making it a dual-purpose innovation aligned with global energy transition goals. Future industrial-scale installations are expected to deliver 15 tpa.

Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS), working with teams from University of California, Kyoto University and others, have reported a breakthrough in the development of next-generation graphene-based quantum materials, opening new horizons for advancements in quantum electronics.

An atomic model of the Janus graphene nanoribbons (left) and its atomic force microscopic image (right). Image credit: NUS
 

The innovation involves a novel type of graphene nanoribbon (GNR) named Janus GNR (JGNR). The material has a unique zigzag edge, with a special ferromagnetic edge state located on one of the edges. This unique design enables the realization of one-dimensional ferromagnetic spin chain, which could have important applications in quantum electronics and quantum computing.

A collaborative effort involving POSTECH and the University of Technology Sydney has yielded an advancement in light source technology. The team used graphene to develop a quantum light emitting diode (Quantum LED) that can precisely emit light using a single atom. This innovative technology generates light by injecting charges into a luminescent material composed of a single atom. 

The research team implemented this advanced light source technology using hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), a material known for its ability to stably confine electrons in various atomic defects. Unlike traditional quantum dots, which are composed of hundreds to thousands of atoms, the quantum LED developed by the team exhibits excellent quantum light source characteristics even at room temperature. This breakthrough addresses a significant challenge in the field, as hBN's wide bandgap has historically made it difficult to inject charges electrically, thus hindering the development of LED devices. To overcome this obstacle, the researchers designed a "graphene-hBN-graphene" van der Waals tunneling structure. 

LG Electronics (LG) has unveiled its new “xboom by will.i.am” audio product line of Bluetooth speakers and earbuds at CES 2025, created in partnership with musician and tech entrepreneur, will.i.am. 

The xboom Buds employ lightweight graphene drivers, which are key to delivering pure, well-balanced sound with rich bass. Graphene is said to improve durability while supporting LG’s Active Noise Canceling technology, providing a more immersive listening experience. Featuring LE Audio Auracast, the Buds enable users to listen to open audio streams in public and permit multiple device connections so that several users can simultaneously enjoy the same audio. Designed for comfort and stability, the ergonomic ear tips adapt to various ear shapes, while the unique ear hook design provides a snug and stable fit on the go. It offers up to 30 hours of listening time with the support of its charging case, as well as IPX4 water resistance that protects against splashing water.

A research team, led by the University of Southampton and UWE Bristol, has developed graphene-based wearable electronic textiles (e-textiles) that are sustainable and biodegradable. In their new study, the team (which also involved the universities of Exeter, Cambridge, Leeds and Bath), describes and tests a new sustainable approach for fully inkjet-printed, eco-friendly e-textiles named 'Smart, Wearable, and Eco-friendly Electronic Textiles', or 'SWEET'.

a) Schematic of two important vital signs: skin surface temperature and heart rate of the human body. b) Schematic of wearable e-textiles as gloves. c) Schematic of the position of wearable textile electrode on human skin surface contact. d) Schematic of the textile electrode. e) Schematic of the textile electrodes' composition. f) Schematic of sustainable design approach for wearable e-textiles, including sustainable materials, sustainable manufacturing, and sustainability assessment. Image from: Energy and Environmental Materials

E-textiles are usually embedded with electrical components, such as sensors, batteries or lights. They might be used in fashion, for performance sportwear, or for medical purposes as garments that monitor people's vital signs. Such textiles need to be durable, safe to wear and comfortable, but also, in an industry which is increasingly concerned with clothing waste, they need to be easy on the environment when no longer required.

2D Fab has marked a milestone in its journey toward more sustainable concrete for road applications, with the installation of concrete center railings reinforced with nanotechnology (presumably graphene, as the company is a longtime graphene producer) in Sundsvall.

It reported that earlier this week, four out of eight of the old concrete center railings along Skolhusallén in Sundsvall were replaced with new railings reinforced with nanotechnology, paving the way for more sustainable infrastructure. These new center railings bring both improved frost resistance, and greater durability.