The Graphene-Info newsletter (November 9, 2022)

Malaysia-based graphite and single-layer graphene producer, Graphjet Technology (GTI), has partnered with Quantum Science (QS), a UK-based quantum dot and ink technology developer, to explore technical and commercial opportunities to develop a quantum dot and graphene-based materials device platform.

GTI, which is on its way to a listing on the Nasdaq Exchange following the merger with SPAC Energem Corp, will be responsible for the funding of the development of the platform. At the same time, QS is responsible for developing the platform. GTI expects to contribute up to five million pounds (over USD$5.7 million) towards the platform's development during the deal's term or around three years.

Sparc Technologies has announced that it has received strong support from "sophisticated and other professional investors", to raise AUD$3.5 million (over USD$2,247,000) through a placement to accelerate its hydrogen pilot plant and graphene R&D programs.

Proceeds from the placement will be used by Sparc Technologies for costs associated with scoping the acceleration of the pilot plant which will validate the commercial potential of its green hydrogen technology and production process. It will also be used for R&D programs to support development of graphene products.

Huawei recently launched its Pocket S clamshell smartphone, that uses a graphene-based cooling system.

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This continues Huawei's use of graphene heat dissipation technology, which started with the use of graphene films in the Huawei Mate 20X and continued with later versions, as well as the Huawei MatePad Pro 5G tablet. 

FIOBOC, a casual fashion menswear brand, recently launched a graphene-enhanced activewear range. The collection includes sweatshirts and jackets in a range of naturally dyed colors. Using graphene in the fabric of FIOBOC's new collection allows it to keep warmth and comfort for wearers. The graphene fabric can reportedly insulate heat to reduce heat loss from the human body to ensure the wearer is kept warm.

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FIOBOC stated that the "new collection is created with an athleisure style. While promoting comfort, the simple but stylish design makes it perfect for daily wear at work or home, working out at the gym, or going out motorcycling. Paired with a denim jacket or a snow jacket, it will be an ideal choice for camping or mountain climbing".

Researchers from Switzerland's ETH Zurich and Japan's National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) have produced the first superconducting quantum interference device, or SQUID, from twisted graphene for the purpose of demonstrating the interference of superconducting quasiparticles. This work is based on former research in which, about a year ago, a team of researchers led by Klaus Ensslin and Thomas Ihn at ETH Zurich's Laboratory for Solid State Physics was able to demonstrate that twisted graphene could be used to create Josephson junctions, the fundamental building blocks of superconducting devices.

Conventional SQUIDs are already being used, for instance in medicine, geology and archaeology. Their sensitive sensors are capable of measuring even the smallest changes in magnetic fields. However, SQUIDs work only in conjunction with superconducting materials, so they require cooling with liquid helium or nitrogen when in operation. In quantum technology, SQUIDs can host quantum bits (qubits); that is, as elements for carrying out quantum operations. "SQUIDs are to superconductivity what transistors are to semiconductor technology—the fundamental building blocks for more complex circuits," Ensslin explains.

Xiaomi announced a new product, the Mijia Graphene Baseboard Heater (Fire Edition). The device uses two graphene-based heating elements, and has a simulated flame function that uses an integrated humidifier and LEDs to generate the flame appearance.

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The Mijia Graphene Baseboard Heater is available now in China for pre-order for 1,299 yuan (around $180), and its retail price is expected to be 1,599 yuan (around $220).

Lyten has announced its first 3D Graphene fabrication facility located at its headquarters in San Jose, CA. Lyten developed Lyten 3D Graphene, a patented library of materials that has enabled the company to develop various solutions in the fields of energy storage, composite systems, and chemical & passive sensors.

Lyten 3D Graphene is described by the Company as a proprietary, tunable advanced materials platform that is the result of years of technological inventions by Lyten. Lyten 3D Graphene can be infused into many other materials and products to unlock higher-performance applications. For example, infusing Lyten 3D Graphene into polyethylene provides significant improvements in strength. Lyten 3D Graphene is extracted from methane and engineered into forms depending on the application.

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has approved setting up three national manufacturing innovation centers, with one focusing on graphene (the other to will be focusing on virtual reality (VR) and ultrahigh-definition video).

The national graphene innovation center will be built in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, relying on a firm called Ningbo Graphene Innovation Center, the MIIT noted. The innovation center will focus on the weak spots in the industrial development of graphene, conducting key generic technology research and shaping up an innovative system covering the sector's industrial, capital, talent and value chains.

Lyten, an advanced materials and applications manufacturer that recently announced opening its first 3D Graphene fabrication facility, has launched LytR™, its unique polymer composite product line. Pelican Products, maker of high-durability protective cases, will incorporate LytR™ into a new generation of transport cases, including cases intended for U.S. military forces.

LytR™ is Lyten’s unique polyethylene formulation, infused with a proprietary carbon-based material called Lyten 3D Graphene™ that significantly reduces weight while maintaining the same or better strength and performance. LytR™ R series is a copolymer engineered for exceptional stiffness, great mold release, and outstanding impact strength. It is designed for rotational molding applications that require increased stiffness and low-temperature toughness with a broad processing window. It was explained that the infusion of LytR technology will allow Pelican to manufacture cases up to 50% lighter while maintaining the same strength and durability as their standard cases. Based on the reduced container weight, LytR reinforced cases will enable customers to reduce bodily strain, reduce transportation and fuel costs, increase payload capacity, and reduce their carbon footprint.