Graphene Inks: introduction and market status

Researchers from Monash University and Swansea University recently reported a new way to create highly concentrated graphene inks that flow well enough for industrial printing, without relying on performance-limiting additives.

The team addressed this challenge by compacting expanded reduced graphite oxide into dense-block reduced graphite oxide, termed DB-rGtO, allowing the formulation of stable dispersions of graphene-derived material at concentrations up to 200 mg·mL⁻¹, while maintaining manageable flowability and deformation resistance. 

Versarien has announced that it has extended its existing manufacturing license agreement, and know-how license and technical assistance agreement, with Montana Química LTDA, initially announced in March 2024.  

The extended agreements cover the use of the Company’s proprietary graphene and related material thermoplastic compounds and masterbatches (Polygrene™) in products to be manufactured and sold by Montana in South America, together with Versarien providing further additional know-how, technical assistance and training to Montana.

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a simple, low-cost prototype sensor that quickly and easily detects small amounts of methanol in breath. This is a step toward developing a “methanol breathalyzer” to efficiently diagnose poisonings.

The team formulated a specialized electrically conductive ink that combined a zirconium-based metal-organic framework (MOF) and graphene. They then 3D-printed the ink onto a ceramic, creating the sensor. A machine created artificial breath by blending dry air with humid air containing methanol and then mimicked blowing the breath into a chamber containing the sensor. The prototype detected methanol at concentrations as low as 50 parts per billion (below the levels found in breath during methanol poisoning) and maintained its stability and performance after several repeated sensing cycles. 

Transteel has teamed up with Tata Steel to introduce graphene-enhanced jute and cotton fabrics to India’s commercial furniture landscape. The advanced upholstery material, designed to boost durability and wellness, will aim to support a circular economy model and significantly reduce reliance on plastics.

The collaboration showcases Transteel’s new bio chairs collection, in combination with Tata Steel’s advanced graphene-treated natural fibers. Transteel highlights its vision of eco-conscious design that doesn’t compromise on performance.

Researchers from Guangdong Technion − Israel Institute of Technology have developed printable graphene inks with low-surface-tension solvents and mild-temperature post-processing using polypropylene carbonate (PPC). 

a, b Illustrations of liquid-phase exfoliation (LPE) of graphene from graphite using PPC as a dispersant aid. c Photograph of graphene/PPC isolated as a powder from the liquid medium after LPE. d Photograph of a graphene ink formulated by redispersing the graphene/PPC powder. e Photograph of graphene micro-supercapacitor (MSC) electrodes deposited on paper with the graphene ink by aerosol jet printing. Image from: Communications Materials

In this work, graphene is produced by liquid-phase exfoliation with PPC, and the exfoliated graphene/PPC is used to generate printable inks. As a dispersant aid, PPC improves graphene exfoliation, dispersion stability, and redispersability in solvents with low surface tensions (<30 mJ m^–2), facilitating the formulation of desirable inks for efficient aerosol jet printing on diverse substrates. 

Researchers from the University of Calgary, University of British Columbia, University of Waterloo and Aalto University recently developed an all-graphene water-based ink for 3D printing via direct ink writing, which the team considers first of its kind. The ink could unlock new possibilities for addressing environmental challenges, such as eliminating invisible electromagnetic pollution from our surroundings.

The eco-friendly graphene ink enables applications in various fields, including electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, electronics, and environmental protection while providing a scalable solution for next-generation 3D-printed technologies.

A new graphene-based ink, which can be used for printed electronics, has been developed by Danish Graphene, in collaboration with the Danish Technological Institute, in a MADE demonstration project. 

Danish Graphene wanted to develop graphene in ink form to use it for printed electronics, where surfaces are coated with electrical circuits. Therefore, they sought help in a MADE material demonstration project, where they received assistance from the Danish Technological Institute. Graphene inks could be used in smart wearables, such as intelligent t-shirts that can detect small electrical impulses and thus track your pulse, or in training shoes that can analyze your running pattern.

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.

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. 

Specialist structural flooring manufacturers Staircraft have been testing the use of Haydale's graphene-based functional ink for application on their innovative chipboard flooring system. Significant investment has reportedly been made to get the new flooring system to adopt a heating solution that is cost effective and easy to install.

In a recent trial, Staircraft has reported very encouraging results and is now focused on continuing to collect definitive data before introducing the concept to their customer base.