A new graphene-based material
Overcoming several current limitations and opening the way to new applications
Graphene’s extraordinary range of properties have application across an array of products and sectors – and have resulted in an explosion of interest.
Graphene’s conductance makes it ideal for many electronic applications, while its exceptional strength – coupled with its lightweight flexible structure – opens the way for many new composite materials. Other applications spanning the fields of drug delivery, nano-filtration and biosensors are being actively pursued.
Current limitations
In aqueous environments the hydrophobic character of graphene induces molecular sheet restacking, resulting in graphite-like structures having sub-nanometre inter-sheet spacing, and this effective loss of space [pores] between graphene sheets is a key factor limiting the development of many applications where pores are either essential or desirable.
Unmet need
Attempts to generate graphene-based material in which sheet spacing (pores) are stable and consistent have yielded mixed results.
Difficulties in manipulation and variable reproducibility makes most variants unsuitable in product applications requiring defined porosity – leaving this industry need unmet.
New problem-solving technology
Professor Mark Biggs at Loughborough University has developed a new patent protected technology which overcomes this problem.
Introducing peptides during the manufacturing process has resulted in a graphene-based hydrogel which exhibits several advantageous properties
• Pore size (spacing) between graphene sheets is controlled, consistent and reproducible –
and can be varied according to the nature of introduced peptides
• Surfaces and peptides are available for functionalisation
• Structures are stable in aqueous environments
• Manufacturing is simple, based on filtration and self-assembly –
precluding solvents
Utility has been demonstrated in controlled drug delivery and filtration with other applications currently under development.
Accessing the technology
This novel material has the potential to address many of the issues currently limiting development of graphene-based products that require graphene sheet spacing – heralding a wide range of pioneering applications.
If you are interested in learning more about this exciting technology with a view to collaborative development and licensing opportunities, please contact:
Dr Jim Chadwick
j.chadwick@lboro.ac.uk
+44(0) 1509 564623