The Graphene-Info newsletter (December 12, 2023)

Researchers from Korea's Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University recently developed a method to grow GaN LED arrays on a flexible graphene layer. The so-called microdisk arrays exhibit excellent crystallinity with a uniform in-plane orientation and strong blue light emission.

Flexible GaN-microLEDs on graphene, Seoul National University, Sungkyunkwan University

The researchers grew the GaN microdisks on a graphene layer (grown on a sapphire substrate) covered with a micro-patterned SiO2 mask using metal–organic vapor-phase epitaxy. The microdisks were then processed into micro-LEDs and then successfully transferred onto bendable substrates.

A new project called GATEPOST, funded by the European research and development program Horizon Europe and part of the Graphene Flagship Initiative, has been launched. 

To realize the potential of IoT and 5G/6G applications, high-performance computing with low power consumption is required. Reliable security solutions will also be essential to combat the growing number of cyber-attacks. Existing solutions cannot meet these new requirements, as they tend to lag behind in terms of performance, latency and operational costs. This is where the GATEPOST project comes in, aiming to revolutionize computing and security with a ground-breaking graphene-based approach. 

A new Horizon Europe project has kicked off called MUNASET. The project will aim to develop a rapid, highly sensitive and easy-to-use graphene-based biosensor platform to address therapy response prediction and allow faster and more precise treatment identification, improve therapy outcomes and reduce hospitalization time. MUNASET will also help secure Europe’s industrial leadership over the entire value chain of novel graphene-based bio-analytical tools. 

The MUNASET consortium received funding for over €4 million to cover activities for four years and is under the leadership of Professor Alexey Tarasov, Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences. It is composed of six partners across four European countries: Germany, Finland, Belgium and Spain. The consortium members include: Graphenea Semiconductor SL, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Mainz University Medical Center and ProActive Ltd. The MUNASET project is a new member of the Graphene Flagship initiative.

Researchers at Flinders University, Flinders University and Birmingham City University are developing a 'value add' approach for old broken concrete for 'upcycling' coarse aggregate to produce a strong, durable and workable concrete using graphene.

The scientists have tested results using a weak graphene solution on recycled aggregates to produce concrete potentially superior to untreated recycled aggregates in cement-based mixtures. 

Ora Graphene, producer of free-standing graphene membranes, announced a partnership with Taiwan-based Merry Electronics to develop off-the-shelf GrapheneQ headphone drivers. These, according to Ora, will be the world's first commercially available graphene-based drivers. The two companies will offer 40 mm and 50 mm drivers, which will be available for pre-order in Q1 2024.

Ora Graphene says that it already integrated its technology into flagship products for two major consumer electronics companies - both of these premium gaming headphones. The availability of off-the-shelf headphone drivers will hopefully accelerate the adoption of Ora's technology.

South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. has announced the use of a graphene-based sound and vibration dampening material on a mission ship.

Image credit: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Pulsenews

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries said it has collaborated with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and BN Chemical Co., a specialized ship painting company, for the development and application of the material.

Researchers at Australia's RMIT University and University of Melbourne have investigated the effectiveness of graphene oxide (GO) sheets in enhancing the compressive strength of 3D-printed cementitious mortar. 

They added graphene oxide to the cement used as a binder in 3D-printed concrete. After experimenting with different amounts, it was found that when graphene oxide was added at a dosage of 0.015% the weight of the cement, the resulting concrete exhibited better inter-layer bonding. This boost produced a 10% increase in overall strength.

Italy-based Kemind previously reported the development of new graphene-enhanced glue concepts, that have been applied to its corrugating production process. It was said that the new glue increases production efficiency, reduces costs and improves quality for several of Kemind's corrugated board products. Now, Kemind and 2DFab (which supplies the graphene materials for the project) have updated their satisfaction with the project, stating that Kemigraph® B has been in commercial for several years, and Kemind is continuously buying graphene from 2DFab. 

By adding graphene to their glue formula for corrugated boards, the global chemical company Kemind has managed to increase production efficiency as well as improve quality for various corrugated board products. Kemind sees great potential in graphene and plans on extending the use of the material in more applications.

Haydale has announced the award of a SMART Flexible Innovation Support Grant ("SMART FIS") from the Welsh Government, to accelerate development of ultra-efficient, graphene infused heat transfer fluids.  This support will assist in the development and proof of concept of scientific innovations, in a commercial setting.

Hydratech, a division of Liquitherm Technologies Group and longtime manufacturer of aqueous-based heat transfer fluids, have been awarded a collaborative SMART FIS to work in partnership with Haydale on the project.

Logitech G, a brand of Logitech and leading innovator of gaming technologies and gear, has unveiled the Logitech G ASTRO A50 X LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset and Base Station, the fifth generation of the ASTRO A50 Series console gaming headset. 

The new ASTRO A5O X is designed to deliver the ultimate console headset experience and will include (among other technological innovations), the PRO-G Graphene Audio Driver technology for high performance gaming audio.