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Graphene Foam Helps Turn Human Movement Into Electrical Energy
August 7, 2023
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Marco Caffio from Integrated Graphene
A graphene foam material has helped researchers turn “wasted” energy from human movement into electricity.
Aimed at powering small electronic devices and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, a new triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) was developed by a team from the Institute of Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging (ITFSI) at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).
The team used 3D graphene foam material Gii from Stirling firm Integrated Graphene as an active layer in the new generator.
The research, published in Nano Energy, showed that the force of a human footprint on a pressure-sensitive mat equipped with Gii-TENG sensors can produce enough energy to anonymously keep track of people entering or leaving a room.
“Through our work with Integrated Graphene, we have proven that using Gii-material – an advanced type of three-dimensional graphene (3DG) foam – as an active layer in triboelectric nanogenerators can work as a reliable and cost-effective energy-harvesting power source for autonomous sensors and electronics,” said Dr Carlos Garcia Nuñez, lecturer at UWS. “This discovery has enormous potential for the booming global Internet of Things industry.”
As well as monitoring building occupancy, the mats could help to optimise energy resources by controlling room temperature as people enter and exit, or to inform carbon dioxide monitoring.
TENGs have been investigated as a technique for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy for about 20 years. Efforts to develop commercially viable devices have been hampered by low durability, limited energy output and inefficiency, however.
“The addition of Gii to TENG has opened up a whole new world of possibilities due to its unique properties, including high surface area, porosity, light weight, and superior electrical properties,” claimed Integrated Graphene.
Other solutions could include self-powered wearable biosensors for early diagnosis of health conditions including cardiovascular disease, gout and diabetes, or devices that harvest mechanical energy from the movement of cars and pedestrians.
“With the number of IoT devices interlinked worldwide forecast to reach 100bn by 2030, there is a clear need for new sustainable energy sources and technologies which can meet the power demand from our reliance on technology,” said Marco Caffio, CSO of Integrated Graphene.
TRUISM
Nova Graphene Pioneers Graphene-Enhanced Ballistic Armour For K9 Officers -- Black Ram Media Group Inc
8/7/2023 8:20:05 AM
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MENAFN- PRLog) -- Following a heartfelt incident involving Bingo, a Toronto K9 officer shot in the line of duty, the Nova Graphene team has announced a significant pivot in their product development strategy. Originally focused on designing 3D-printed graphene-enhanced ballistic armor for human military and law enforcement personnel, the team has now fast-tracked the development of similar armor specifically designed for service animals.
In an inspired display of ingenuity, empathy, and shared purpose, the team at Nova Graphene unanimously agreed to expedite animal scanning and prototyping while conducting an early body scan test for their current armor project.
The decision came as a reaction to the tragic news about Bingo, highlighting the critical importance of ensuring the safety of these brave service animals.
"We've always had plans to develop protective equipment for service animals.
They serve on the front lines alongside their human partners, risking their lives for our safety," said CEO Paul Beasant from Nova Graphene.
"The incident with Bingo was a catalyst, underscoring the urgency and necessity of this technology for these brave animals.
As with their 2-legged counterparts, we are working towards custom printing this armor from 3D body scans, so the fit, comfort, mobility, and survivability are optimized for the wearer."
Nova Graphene's armor, enhanced with the 'wonder material' graphene, boasts an array of impressive properties.
Graphene is lightweight yet harder than diamond, and when used in armour, it drastically improves penetration and impact resistance.
A trailblazer in the cutting-edge field of graphene applications, Nova Graphene has already gained recognition for their innovative R&D work.
The company's commitment to creating solutions that enhance safety and resilience, particularly in high-risk sectors like law enforcement and the military, has made them a crucial player in the graphene revolution.
In pivoting to include K9 officers in their development plan, Nova Graphene takes another step towards its vision of widespread graphene adoption in safety technology.
"Every member of our team is an animal lover, so this new direction feels both personally meaningful and professionally exciting," Beasant added.
"We look forward to the day when every K9 officer is equipped with our graphene-enhanced armor, providing them with the best possible protection."
The company has extended an invitation to explore the possibility of conducting a canine officer scanning.
Presently, the company eagerly awaits a response.
Nova Graphene is a leading innovator in the field of graphene applications.
Through relentless R&D and a firm commitment to addressing real-world challenges, the company aims to revolutionize numerous industries by harnessing the extraordinary properties of graphene.
With projects ranging from advanced ballistic armor to additive manufacturing solutions, Nova Graphene is driving the charge towards a safer, more resilient future.
TRUISM
