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University of Illinois researchers create 1-step graphene patterning method

University of Illinois researchers have created a simple and scalable graphene patterning technique using stencil masks fabricated via a laser cutter. This approach enables rapid design iterations and pattern replications, promoting cleaner quality graphene patterns without polymeric transfer layers or organic solvents.

Unraveling truly one-dimensional carbon solids

Researchers have synthesized micrometer length-scale carbon chains, surpassing previous records by more than one order of magnitude. The discovery confirms the existence of ultra-long linear carbon chains, also known as carbyne, using various advanced spectroscopic and microscopic techniques.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 4, 2016

Effective graphene doping depends on substrate material

Researchers at Juelich's Peter Gruenberg Institute have discovered that effective graphene doping is influenced by the choice of substrate material. The scientists found that nitrogen atoms in the interface layer can dope the lattice without destroying it, leading to promising results for future applications in micro- and nanoelectronics.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 29, 2016

Nanolight at the edge

Graphene-based technologies enable ultra-small optical nanodevices by capturing light in record-small volumes. The researchers identified two types of plasmons - edge and sheet modes - with unique properties that can channel electromagnetic energy in one dimension.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 21, 2016

Wrinkles and crumples make graphene better

Researchers from Brown University found that repeatedly crumpling sheets of graphene can improve its water-repelling properties and electrochemical behavior. The process creates complex architectures with interesting patterns, including superhydrophobic surfaces and enhanced electrodes for batteries and fuel cells.

SourceBrown University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 21, 2016

Capturing 'black gold' with light

Graphene, known as 'black gold', has high surface area and can effectively purify contaminated water due to its unique structure. Using light, researchers can extract the graphene and contaminants, enabling easier purification.

SourceMonash University·JournalNanoscale·DateMar 16, 2016

IBS team detects hot electrons in real time

The IBS team developed a graphene-semiconductor catalytic nanodiode that enables the detection of hot electrons on platinum nanoparticles in real time. This breakthrough allows researchers to study the electronic effect on catalytic activity and potentially design improved catalytic materials with lower costs.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 10, 2016

Using graphene to fight bacteria

Scientists are studying graphene oxide to create bacteria-killing catheters and medical devices, reducing the need for antibiotics and speeding recovery times. Graphene oxide wraps around bacteria, puncturing its membrane and killing it, making it a potential alternative to traditional methods that are toxic to the environment.

Graphene slides smoothly across gold

Researchers have discovered graphene's exceptional lubricity, which could drastically reduce energy loss in machines when used as a coating. The material's ability to slide smoothly across gold surfaces has significant implications for improving energy efficiency and extending equipment lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateFeb 25, 2016

Increasing oil's performance with crumpled graphene balls

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered crumpled graphene balls as a promising lubricant additive that outperforms some commercial lubricants in reducing friction and wear on steel surfaces. The additive is self-dispersing without surfactants and has high performance sensitivity to concentration, making it more stable.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2016

Graphene oxide 'paper' changes with strain

Rice researchers found that graphene oxide layers change their mechanical properties depending on the strain rate, making it brittle when pulled fast but more pliable under slow stress. This discovery can help build three-dimensional structures from two-dimensional materials for various applications.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 19, 2016

Nano-hybrid materials create magnetic effect

Scientists at Rice University and Montreal Polytechnic designed computer simulations to investigate the electromagnetic properties of graphene-boron nitride hybrids. The researchers found that these hybrid materials exhibit both electronic and magnetic properties, which could be useful in spintronic and nano-transistor applications.

SourceRice University·JournalCarbon·DateJan 13, 2016

Pioneering research boosts graphene revolution

Researchers have developed a new technique to trap light at the surface of graphene using laser pulses, enabling the steered light to be directed across the material's surface. This breakthrough has significant implications for advances in electronic products, such as sensors and miniaturized integrated circuits.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 16, 2015

Ultrasensitive sensors made from boron-doped graphene

Researchers have developed ultrasensitive gas sensors using boron-doped graphene, detecting noxious gas molecules at extremely low concentrations. The sensors outperform current state-of-the-art sensors by six orders of magnitude, opening a path to high-performance detection of toxic gases and other molecules.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2015

Manipulating wrinkles could lead to graphene semiconductors

Researchers at RIKEN have discovered that wrinkles in graphene can form a junction-like structure, changing its electronic properties from zero-gap conductor to semiconductor and back. By manipulating the carbon structure using scanning tunneling microscopy, they have opened up new possibilities for graphene engineering.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2015