The Graphene-Info newsletter (October 5, 2022)

NTT Corporation and the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) have jointly reported the realization of what they define as "the world's fastest zero-bias operation (220 GHz) of a graphene photodetector (PD)". The research conducted by NTT and NIMS has also, according to the statement, clarified the optical-to-electrical (O-E) conversion process in graphene for the first time.

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Graphene is a promising photodetection material for enabling high-speed O-E conversion at wavelength ranges where existing semiconductor devices cannot operate, thanks to its high sensitivity and high-speed electrical response to a wide range of electromagnetic waves, from terahertz (THz) to ultraviolet (UV). However, until now, the demonstrated zero-bias operating speed has been limited to 70 GHz due to conventional device structure and measurement equipment. For this reason, the challenge for graphene PDs is to demonstrate 200-GHz operation speeds and clarify graphene's inherent properties, such the process of optical-to-electrical conversion.

In August 2022, Graphene Manufacturing Group (GMG) announced its plan to acquire THERMAL-XR's IP and brand from OzKem. Now, GMG said it has completed this acquisition. GMG noted that OzKem developed the THERMAL-XR coating system products using GMG graphene together with OzKem's base Heating Venting and Air Conditioning (HVAC) coating.

GMG added that it now owns the THERMAL-XR brand, will buy the base coatings product from OzKem, and will manufacture the THERMAL-XR products containing GMG graphene.

Graphmatech and Steelhead Composites have announced a collaboration on the development and production of a new high performance type IV pressure vessel liner. Expected improvements include reduced hydrogen leakage and increased resistance to extreme thermal and pressure conditions.

The partnership will combine Steelhead Composites’ leading pressure vessel technology, services, and market position with Graphmatech’s graphene-polymer composites for the hydrogen economy.

a collaboration between Sparc Technologies, Swinburne University and Composite Materials Engineering focuses on smart composite structures to help engineers detect structural defects in planes and rockets before they cause disaster. The industry-linked project will create graphene-enabled smart composites for aviation, aerospace and renewable energy.

The project was funded by an Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Grant from the Federal Government, with over AUD$1 million (around USD $640,000) invested across Swinburne University, the government and industry partners.

First Graphene will work with the Breedon Group, Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure and the University of Manchester to develop a new reduced-CO₂ graphene-enhanced cement. The consortium is currently formulating the cement using varying doses of First Graphene’s PureGRAPH graphene-enhanced grinding aid. The project received a research grant from the UK government earlier in 2022.

First Graphene says that the study involves one of the largest commercial trials of its kind to date globally.