Graphene 'foam' to unlock new applications in collaborative R&D venture

The use of graphene in batteries, composites, micro-sensors and ion-exchange membranes will all be investigated as part of a new collaborative research program.

The program, which will bring together researchers at Manchester University and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi, will focus on three projects covering the use of graphene and two dimensional materials in a range of applications.

Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms, which is 10 times stronger than steel while 1000 times lighter than a sheet of paper per unit area.

In one of the projects, researchers from both organisations will develop low-cost ink-jet printing techniques for building micro-sensors designed to operate in the challenging environments found in high temperature energy and military applications.

Meanwhile, a separate team will investigate the benefits of using graphene-based ion exchange membranes in water desalination.

Finally, researchers will attempt to develop low-density graphene nanocomposite foams for use in batteries and supercapacitors, and to stiffen composite materials.