The latest research on graphene supercapacitors produced by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) shows that graphene may be less expensive than it has been previously believed, with commercialisation possibly awaiting around the corner.

The technology required to make high-quality, single-layer graphene remains expensive, making it difficult to produce the material on a large scale. However, the result of the new study that may disprove the current understanding of graphene production will be presented at the Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics (RISE) Conference that takes place from 9-12 February 2015 in Miami, FL.

Graphene is pure carbon in the form of a very thin, one atom thick sheet. It is remarkably strong for its very low weight, and it conducts heat and electricity with great efficiency. It was first produced in laboratory in 2003, and graphene research has expanded quickly since the substance was first isolated in 2004.

Graphene and nonwovens

Using graphene to create flexible supercapacitors (think batteries) could have huge ramifications for how energy is stored and be a game changer for manufacturing, electrical grids, and more, INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, which organises the conference, believes.

The conference will also offer information and expertise on the role nonwovens will play and the range of applications in this exciting field of innovative research.

Xuanhe Zhao, PhD, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and d'Arbeloff Career Development Center Chair, and the Soft Active Materials Laboratory thought leader, MIT, will present on a topic of Nonwoven Materials with Extraordinary Functions: From Tough Hydrogels to Graphene Supercapacitors.

Other highlights

Some of the other talks will discuss providing an alternative to traditional methods of removing bacteria and viruses in biopharmaceutical manufacturing by using nanotechnology to create fibre mats.

New nonwoven performance properties with the addition of ceramic and metallic materials will be highlighted. The case study will focus on the incident when they were proven in the real world with copper socks when Chilean miners were trapped in a mine for 69 days in 2010.

The conference delegates will also hear about how anionic nanofibre filters can be used to remove sodium in ultrapure water – with a one-year filter life – think semiconductors, and how to prepare for the explosive US 14 billion textile/stretchable wearable electronics technology developments and commercialisation.

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