Membranes

Researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology, Griffith University and King Khalid University have developed a graphene-based nanofiltration system that can selectively extract lithium ions from magnesium‑rich brines using sunlight as the driving force. The approach combines edge‑functionalized graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) with photothermally reduced graphene oxide (PrGO), forming sub‑nanometer ion‑coordination channels that enable efficient lithium transport while rejecting competing ions such as magnesium.

Recovering lithium from natural brines is difficult because lithium typically exists at much lower concentrations than other dissolved salts. In South American salt‑flat brines, for example, magnesium concentrations can exceed lithium by ratios of 20:1 or higher. The challenge arises from the similar chemical behavior of the ions, even though their hydration energies differ significantly. Magnesium ions bind water molecules roughly four times more strongly than lithium ions. The new membrane exploits this difference by creating functionalized transport pathways that encourage lithium ions to partially shed their hydration shells and migrate through the membrane while magnesium remains strongly hydrated and effectively blocked.

Purafy Clean Technologies, developer of graphene-based water filtration systems and Electromaax, a global innovator in energy-efficient marine and off-grid systems, have announced a strategic partnership to manufacture and distribute next-generation portable water purification solutions worldwide.

The partnership will focus on launching and scaling the Purafy Portage portable water filtration system. Electromaax will manufacture the Portage, leveraging its manufacturing expertise, global supply chain, and international distribution channels developed through decades of service to the marine industry. The Purafy Portage is a compact, energy-efficient portable water purification and desalination system that combines advanced ultrafiltration with high-pressure reverse osmosis to deliver safe, pathogen-free drinking water from fresh, brackish, or seawater-anywhere from marine and remote communities to disaster relief and humanitarian operations, using minimal power in an easy to use, rugged design.

The Foundation for Innovation and Technology (FIT) has granted new financing to three start-ups in Western Switzerland, supporting innovations in renewable energy, food safety and industrial decarbonization.

Among the three startups is Divea, which secured a CHF 100,000 (over US$129,000) Tech Seed loan to industrialize its graphene-based carbon capture membranes. Designed for sectors such as cement, steel and chemicals, the filters selectively capture CO₂ directly from industrial exhaust streams. The support will help Divea to move from laboratory-scale production toward continuous industrial manufacturing.

Fender Audio, the consumer electronics division of the instrument manufacturer, will present two flagship audio products at CES 2026. Developed under a licensing agreement with Singapore-based RiffSound, the new lineup reflects Fender’s entry into advanced material integration for audio performance.

The new MIX headphones will incorporate 40mm graphene drivers. Graphene’s combination of low mass, high stiffness, and excellent conductivity contributes to greater acoustic precision and reduced distortion compared with conventional driver materials. Fender indicates that these properties help optimize energy efficiency and enhance sound detail across the frequency range.

Researchers from EPFL have conducted a comprehensive techno‑economic assessment of a novel graphene‑based membrane that could transform carbon capture across energy‑intensive industries. The study focuses on pyridinic‑graphene - a single‑atom‑thick graphene sheet featuring angstrom‑scale pores doped with nitrogen atoms that create a strong preference for CO₂ over other gases.

Representation of three generations of graphene membranes. Image from: Nature Sustainability

Led by Marina Micari and Kumar Varoon Agrawal, the work combines empirical membrane performance data with process modeling and uncertainty‑aware cost analysis. By simulating realistic plant operation - energy consumption, gas‑flow dynamics, and pressure drops - the researchers evaluated how these membranes would perform under different industrial conditions. The results build on EPFL’s broader effort to develop scalable, high‑performance graphene membranes for gas separations.

Researchers from Purdue University, Vanderbilt University and University of Florida recently reported a graphene-based separator design that addresses critical limitations of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. While Li–S batteries promise higher energy densities and reduced weight compared to conventional lithium-ion systems, their practical use has long been hindered by the lithium polysulfide (LiPS) shuttling effect, which leads to severe capacity fading and poor cycle life. Traditional approaches, such as slurry-coating LiPS-adsorbing materials onto polypropylene (PP) separators, help mitigate shuttling but increase both mass and volume, thereby reducing the overall energy density of the system.

The research team instead used nanoporous atomically thin membranes (NATMs) composed of graphene, fabricated via chemical vapor deposition, as a lightweight and selective barrier. These graphene layers feature subnanometer pores (~0.7–1.0 nm) that allow the transport of solvated lithium ions (0.54–1.26 nm) while effectively blocking larger LiPS species (0.81–1.69 nm). Owing to their atomic thinness and negligible mass, the membranes function as molecular sieves that suppress polysulfide migration without introducing significant ionic resistance. 

LG Electronics (LG) has expanded its Xboom Buds lineup with three new models - Buds Plus, Buds, and Buds Lite - continuing a collaboration with musician will.i.am that began with the launch of the Xboom Buds. All Xboom earbuds incorporate audio tuning by the artist for a vibrant yet balanced sound, according to the company. 

The Xboom Buds Plus features graphene-coated drivers with triple MEMS microphones, which actively reduce background noise during calls and music playback. The adaptive EQ dynamically adjusts the sound tuning for the best sound reproduction, and users can further adjust the EQ using the smartphone app to their liking. The best fitting ear tip for noise reduction can be found using the Noise Cancelling Optimization feature in the app.  They offer up to 10 hours of runtime between charges, with up to 30 hours of total runtime with the charging case, according to LG.

Researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute recently developed a graphene-based technology that can separate dangerous tritium from radioactive wastewater in a liquid state.

Tritium is a radioactive hydrogen produced in nuclear power plants and mostly exists in the form of water molecules. When it enters the human body, it can emit radiation internally, making thorough management necessary; however, until now, tritium could only be separated in a gaseous state, and the removal of liquid-phase tritium remained a significant challenge.

Researchers at the University of Manchester's National Graphene Institute, in collaboration with medical technology company T. J. Smith and Nephew Limited, have developed a new type of antimicrobial coating that could improve hygiene across healthcare, consumer, and industrial products. 

Silver has long been used to fight bacteria, particularly in wound care, because of its ability to release ions that damage bacterial cells. But current approaches suffer from several downsides: silver can be released too quickly or unevenly, it may damage surrounding healthy tissue, and it's often used in quantities that aren’t sustainable. The team tackled these issues by designing a graphene oxide-based membrane that can release silver ions slowly and precisely over time. The key lies in the structure of the membrane itself, its nanoscale channels act like filters, regulating how much silver is released.

Separating gases efficiently is important for applications like hydrogen production and carbon dioxide capture. Gas separation membranes, especially those made from graphene oxide (GO), show promise because they can selectively allow certain gases to pass through. However, conventional GO membranes currently face a major limitation: while they can separate gases like H₂ and CO₂, the rate at which gases move through these membranes is too slow for practical use.

Researchers at the National University of Singapore, Missouri University of Science and Technology and Radboud University have developed a new approach to creating crumpled GO membranes that exhibit both a higher H₂ permeability and selectivity (i.e., ability to distinguish between different gases). Their method could facilitate the real-world use of these membranes to produce clean H₂ and capture gases that are harmful for the environment.