News & Intelligence

SK On has created a process to replace costly carbon nanotube paste with powder in LFP battery cathodes, reducing production costs.

Researchers demonstrated improved mechanical properties in carbon fiber-polycarbonate composites using infrared-assisted automated fiber placement, highlighting its potential for semi-structural applications in aerospace and automotive industries.

Researchers created a hybrid electrode with nickel cobalt oxide and cadmium oxide on reduced graphene oxide, achieving 2700 coulombs per gram in charge storage for supercapacitors.

Chinese researchers achieved 98% energy recovery in a rechargeable zinc-air battery using a fluorine-engineered graphene catalyst.

Researchers developed a one-step method to convert CO2 into 3D graphene with a tunable structure, achieving over 200 mAh/g at 150C in lithium-ion battery anodes.

Researchers have developed a thermal defluorination method to create fluorinated graphene, improving zinc-air battery performance.

Researchers in China have developed a fluorinated graphene catalyst that boosts zinc-air battery efficiency to 98% and extends operational life to over 820 hours.

Researchers have developed carbon nanotube structures that can absorb over 99.9999% of microwaves, using waste batteries and plastic as materials.

Researchers developed a hollow bowl-shaped structure using Ti3C2Tx MXene combined with FeNi3, designed to absorb radar waves and capture solar energy.

Researchers have achieved over 20% efficiency in organic solar cells using fullerene acceptors, which excel at light harvesting.

Researchers created carbon-fiber-reinforced geopolymer composites using red mud and ore tailings, achieving electromagnetic shielding effectiveness up to 33.5 decibels in the X-band frequency range.

Researchers at KRICT used porous graphitic carbon nitride to guide lithium ions in thick, solvent-free cathodes, enhancing battery performance.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science developed a recyclable carbon fiber composite with a 53% increase in flexural strength and 96% strength retention after recycling.

Researchers developed a supercapattery electrode using a carbon nanotube bridge, achieving record energy storage.

Researchers used flash joule heating to modify bamboo-based biochar, creating a composite material that blocks electromagnetic radiation.

Researchers in China developed a supercapacitor using a CoS2/Nd2O3 composite and sulfur-treated carbon nanotubes for train applications.

Researchers tripled the power of flexible thermogalvanic cells by adding a carbon nanotube photothermal heating layer.

Researchers at the North University of China have optimized nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes for lithium-ion battery anodes by pyrolyzing ZIF-67 at 700 degrees Celsius, enhancing fast-charging capabilities.

Researchers developed a PVA-gelatin hydrogel with CNTs@ZIF-67 nanoparticles, achieving over 33 dB electromagnetic shielding in the X-band while remaining flexible and adhesive for wearable applications.

Dana Gas and Levidian have launched graphene production at Sharjah Graphene Park, with an annual capacity exceeding one tonne. The project began just four months after their initial agreement.

FFT Produktionssysteme's FibreTEC system reduces gripper weight by 41% compared to aluminum, enabling higher load capacity without larger robots.

Researchers found that fully dense 3D-printed carbon fiber reinforced PA12 provides optimal strength and thermal performance for space applications.

POSCO Future M has signed a $4.5 billion long-term supply deal with Samsung SDI for lithium iron phosphate cathode materials, doubling their previous agreement's volume.

Researchers developed a carbon nanotube anode achieving approximately 45 Wh/kg with strong cycling stability.

Researchers have developed spinel CuAl2O4 nanoparticles on graphitic carbon nitride using a low-cost hydrothermal method, achieving a performance of 235 for water splitting.

Researchers created a nanocomposite combining graphitic carbon nitride, iron oxide, graphene oxide, and zinc oxide to convert sunlight and air into benzaldehyde at room temperature.

India's domestic battery industry faces challenges due to a lack of local synthetic graphite and anode material production.

Researchers at Khalifa University reviewed how graphene enhances high-density polyethylene (HDPE). They examined compounding techniques and found that graphene improves HDPE's thermal, electrical, and barrier properties when well-dispersed.

Researchers in Qatar discovered that non-activated biochar from banana peels increased biocrude yield from sewage sludge to 37.88%, thanks to its high potassium content.

Researchers have enhanced composite bipolar plates for fuel cells using carbon nanotubes, surpassing stringent international performance standards.

Cotierra raised $3 million to expand its decentralized biochar systems for tropical agriculture. The funding, led by Carbon Removal Partners and PINC, will support commercial scaling.

Researchers demonstrated that platinum-copper and platinum-iron catalysts on MXene enhance fuel-cell efficiency and longevity.

A Korean research team improved the bonding strength of carbon fiber composites by 30.8% using a nanocomposite aerogel in an induction joining process.

A South Korean research team created a dry cathode method incorporating porous graphitic carbon nitride to improve lithium-ion EV batteries.

Researchers at KAIST have developed a method to produce defect-free graphene, potentially enhancing the performance of lithium-ion batteries.

Graphite One is advancing its strategy to supply natural and artificial graphite anode materials for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

Researchers evaluated biochar as a sustainable substitute for coal and coke in steelmaking, focusing on its metallurgical, technical, and environmental impacts from input to steel production.

Haffner Energy received a €3.2 million contract to develop Quebec's inaugural Multi-Energy Hub, facilitating biochar and renewable fuel production.

Suzlon and Exel Composites have partnered for a multi-year agreement to manufacture carbon fibre composites for wind power applications.

Researchers in Texas discovered their plasma reactor, initially aimed at hydrogen production, also creates graphene oxide from methane. This unexpected find offers a potentially cheaper production method.

Washington University in St. Louis researchers developed a lignin-based carbon fiber that meets automotive standards, reducing production costs by 25% and using half the petroleum-derived precursor.

OCSiAl nanotubes are playing a critical role in a new project supported by the European Union through Horizon Europe that aims to develop aviation-grade battery cells capable of exceeding 400 Wh/kg— an energy density widely considered essential for commercially viable electric regional aircraft.

Researchers developed a carbon nanotube foam with mechanical memory, retaining its shape after compression. This property could lead to advanced impact-resistant materials and mechanical computing applications.

Exomad Green and Carbonfuture will supply 1.1 million tonnes of biochar carbon removal by 2035, tackling Bolivia's supply issues with certified pyrolysis and comprehensive digital tracking.

ARIA is funding the development of perovskite-carbon fiber-reinforced polymer solar cells for use in stratospheric aircraft.

South Korean researchers developed a 17.5-micrometer-thick film that blocks 99.9999999% of radar waves by combining carbon nanotube fibers with MXene nanosheets, enhancing stealth technology.

South Korean researchers have created a copper current collector that evenly spreads lithium, preventing dendrite formation and enhancing the durability of anode-free lithium-metal batteries.

Montauk Renewables has opened a $200 million facility in Sampson County, North Carolina, turning swine waste into renewable energy and biochar.

Smokeless fire pits efficiently burn wood by heating air between double walls for a cleaner burn, but they are not designed to produce biochar, which requires restricted airflow.

Korea Institute of Energy Technology developed a tube-type battery with a central cooling channel, enabling it to charge from 5% to 95% in just 9.6 minutes.

Sofab Inks' Tinfab modules maintained 87% efficiency after 504 hours in damp-heat conditions, surpassing fullerene-based modules that retained just 74.4%.

Engineers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a renewable carbon fiber using lignin, reducing production costs by 25% and maintaining industry standards for strength.

Engineers at Washington University in St. Louis developed a carbon fiber precursor using waste lignin, reducing production costs by 25% and cutting reliance on petroleum-based materials.

Bergen Carbon Solutions has secured a patent for its carbon purification technology, reinforcing its intellectual property in carbon material processing and supporting its strategy for high-quality carbon products.

Iowa State University researchers developed a method to print electronic circuits on 3D objects using aerosol-jet printing. NASA supports the commercialization with a $150,000 grant.

Researchers have developed a vapor-phase synthesis method to produce MXene nanomaterials, potentially reducing costs and improving scalability for electronic, environmental, and quantum technology applications.

Researchers found that tiny wrinkles in graphene can alter its electrical properties. This discovery could lead to advanced control of electricity in ultrathin materials, enhancing sensor and electronic device performance.

Graphene Manufacturing Group's G CELLS maintained capacity after 489 fast-charge cycles, outperforming lithium titanate oxide cells tested under the same conditions.

Levidian has introduced NanoFlow™ A1-30, a 30 wt.% aqueous graphene dispersion with water-like viscosity, expanding its NanoFlow™ range for easy integration into water-based applications.

KVE has expanded its facility in The Hague by 1,800 square meters to meet growing demand for composite components in aerospace and defense, marking its 30th anniversary under Daher's ownership.

The University of Southern Queensland received a $1.3 million grant to create sodium-ion battery electrodes that can self-repair using engineered graphene and polymer networks.

Talga Group has signed a non-binding letter of intent with EAS Batteries for a graphite anode supply from its Vittangi project in Sweden, aiming for a binding agreement by 2027.

Caterpillar offers graphene battery packs for power tools, featuring fast-charging and long-lasting performance. These batteries fully charge in just 20 minutes, enhancing tool efficiency and reliability.

Researchers created a composite using flash-Joule-heated bamboo biochar, achieving 36.7 dB EMI shielding with 84% absorption and a 173% increase in fracture toughness.

The NCC-led SusWIND program reports that recycled wind turbine blade glass fiber can achieve a carbon footprint similar to virgin fiber if recyclers improve pyrolysis efficiency and polymer recovery.

OroCarbo has reserved 12 Haffner systems for renewable hydrogen hubs planned in California, Oregon, and Washington State, utilizing residual biomass for clean energy production.

Researchers have significantly advanced MXene-based supercapacitors, particularly with binder-free Ti3C2Tx, since their initial demonstration in 2013.

Researchers developed a 1-meter-diameter Type 5 cryogenic tank using carbon fiber/LMPAEK for hydrogen and methane storage under an ESA-funded project.

Researchers at Kunming University of Science & Technology measured the electron-transfer rate constant of dissolved black carbon, finding it increases with pyrolysis temperature, enhancing its electron-shuttle capability.

Novacium and Tokai COBEX are collaborating to evaluate a silicon and synthetic graphite anode material solution in France, aiming to enhance lithium-ion cell energy capacity.

Carbon Hill's upgraded biochar plant in Wales now produces 2.5–3.0 tonnes daily, enhancing carbon sequestration efforts.

Researchers in Houston found that C60-ser, a modified fullerene, reduced brain inflammation and improved spatial memory in mice after cranial radiation therapy.

Researchers at the National Graphene Institute demonstrated that vermiculite clay channels can control ion flow in response to pressure, voltage, and pH, mimicking biological ion channels.

Researchers have developed a carbon fiber composite with a nanotube scaffold that withstands temperatures up to 437°C, surpassing previous void thresholds.

WasteX, a Singapore-based biochar pyrolysis manufacturer, has completed the first sale of its new model.

Researchers have developed a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic where fibers are encased in carbon, potentially speeding up production of hypersonic shields and rocket components.

Researchers at the University of Castilla-La Mancha used zinc chloride to activate biochar from olive stones, creating a catalyst that achieved 20% CO2 conversion to methane.

The India Innovation Centre for Graphene in Kerala hosts "Grand Challenges" for startups to create graphene-based products in sectors like energy and electronics.

Nova Pangaea Technologies finished testing its biomass process, handling up to three tonnes of softwood residues daily. The company plans to establish its first commercial plant.

CarbonScape produces high-quality synthetic graphite by recycling materials, reducing reliance on fossil fuels for green energy components.

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a material combining MXene and gold that uses sunlight and electricity to produce ammonia from nitrate.

CCIC has launched a pilot line for producing ContRGF fabrics, using recycled carbon fibers for automotive and other applications. A hybrid automotive hood was demonstrated with this material.

Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed aerogels from aircraft composite waste, which may be used for insulation, noise reduction, and cleaning up oil spills.

McLaren and Mercedes are exploring recycled carbon fibre for F1 components, planning to introduce a carbon fibre composite rear brake duct by 2025.

Recycled supercapacitors with carbon-fiber cathodes maintained performance comparable to original devices through initial fabrication and two recycling cycles.

Kamalia University has initiated the SAFER PLUS project to convert agricultural residues into biochar, electricity, and surplus heat using an integrated system.

Researchers and industry leaders in Jakarta urge converting Palm Oil Mill Effluent into biogas. Indonesia's vast effluent pool remains largely untapped due to a lack of binding regulations.

Aviva is repurposing its gasification facility to produce biochar, generating 12 MW of electricity and around 47,000 carbon-removal units.

A review indicates that adding biochar to anammox reactors could enhance their efficiency by acting as a conductive interface.

Researchers have used machine learning to predict the concentration of persistent free radicals and g-Factor in lignocellulose-derived biochar based on its elemental composition.

Researchers at MEPhI have developed a new ultra-strong composite material incorporating carbon nanotubes, aimed at applications in aviation, space, and machinery.

CO2 Sync has opened an emissions-free energy plant in Price, Utah, producing biochar to enhance soil nutrient retention.

Researchers at Zhejiang University developed a new synthesis method to create rare earth MXenes, yielding semiconducting and magnetic properties valuable for future electronics.

Researchers in South Korea have created a self-healing waterborne polyurethane coating that shields electronics from electromagnetic interference. The coating repairs damage with heat or near-infrared light.

Automated Fibre Placement and high-pressure resin transfer moulding have made carbon fibre components more viable for mass automotive production, increasing their use in everyday vehicles.

Researchers at Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg and MTU Aero Engines find that low gravity and vacuum change how carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers cure, challenging the assumption that terrestrial composite production transfers directly to orbit.

NIT Rourkela has patented a 3D-reinforced composite technology that boosts Fibre-Reinforced Polymer strength and durability, with potential applications in aerospace and automotive industries.

The Ellington anaerobic digestion facility will use 115 tons of Arigna biochar for ground stabilization, aiding carbon offset in construction. Completion is expected in approximately 18 months.

Researchers found that the gas environment during biomass heating significantly impacts biochar quality, alongside temperature.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality awarded $1 million for mobile biochar equipment to convert Hurricane Helene debris into a soil amendment for flood-damaged farmland in Haywood County.

A company led by Cambridge PhD Liu Zhenyu is advancing carbon nanotube materials for lightweight applications.

Teijin Limited has developed a thermosetting carbon fiber-reinforced plastic with a self-healing function and high recyclability, aiming to provide samples by 2028.

Researchers in China have developed an ultra-strong carbon fiber that could transform aerospace and energy sectors, offering enhanced performance and efficiency.

Researchers at Concordia University have created carbon-fiber composite wind turbine blades that are approximately 80% lighter than standard blades.

Penn State researchers are assessing the sustainability of Woodland Biomass Innovations' plan to convert 1,000 tons of wood residues daily into gasoline and biochar in Tioga County, Pennsylvania.

Himachal Pradesh has launched India's first indigenous biochar plant, processing 1.5 tonnes of pine needles daily to combat forest fires and climate change.

CCI BioEnergy has secured a contract to supply equipment for the Disco Road Organics Processing Facility in Toronto.

A new Biochar Research and Training Facility with a 1.5-ton daily processing capacity opened at Y.S. Parmar University in Himachal Pradesh to address forest fire hazards.

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Universität Potsdam, and Empa developed a solar cell with 27.3% efficiency using a graphene oxide and self-assembled monolayer bilayer, targeting 30% efficiency.

Vietnamese researchers are producing biochar and charcoal pellets from durian peels to reduce waste and increase the value of agricultural byproducts.

Vink Chemicals and pyropower GmbH celebrated the topping-out of a new biochar power plant in Schwerin, Germany, designed to supply energy to Vink's production site.

Researchers at Punjab Agricultural University review biochar's production routes and its use across environmental remediation, energy and catalysis, mapping how its physicochemical properties drive each application.

Weiwa Machinery shipped a continuous carbonization furnace to Pakistan, designed for high-capacity biochar production from local agricultural residues like coconut shells and rice husks.

Researchers have enhanced the durability of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) in aerospace structures by adding an electroformed nickel leading-edge guard.

Researchers at QUT developed a molecular strategy to prevent carbon nanotube clumping, enhancing thermal power efficiency for wearable devices that convert body heat into electricity.

Researchers at Queensland University of Technology used a small molecule to stop single-walled carbon nanotubes clumping, achieving record heat-to-electricity conversion in a problem that had stalled the field for two decades.

Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed carbon nanotubes from distilled grain residues to enhance potassium-ion battery performance.

Researchers at the University of Arizona demonstrated that graphene nanoribbons can withstand gamma radiation, suggesting their potential use as radiation sensors in fusion reactors and deep space applications.

Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd signed an exclusive MOU with Alstom to develop graphene products for rail HVAC systems.

Graphene Leaders Canada has commercialized its graphene-enhanced electroless nickel additive, offering improved corrosion resistance and wear performance. The technology is now available to industrial sectors worldwide.

Smoltek has joined the MAXBATT consortium, which includes Scania and Volvo, to enhance sustainable battery production using carbon nanofiber technology.

Operators can boost profits from tire pyrolysis by refining oil and carbon black into higher-value products. Upgraded materials meet industrial standards, attracting stable buyers and better margins.

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a process to convert methane into graphene oxide using a nonthermal plasma-water interface, potentially reducing production costs.

Researchers have shown that graphene nanoribbons may enhance semiconductor technologies, benefiting applications in fusion energy and space environments.

Bacterial cellulose converted into biomass-derived carbon gives supercapacitor electrodes that charge rapidly and survive millions of cycles, offering a renewable feedstock for high-power energy storage.

Researchers evaluated four graphene-based materials in carbon fibre/epoxy laminates for hydrogen storage tanks. The study focused on microwave-assisted graphene intermediate (MGI) composites.

Researchers at Concordia University have developed a method to shape carbon fiber wind blades without molds by curing flat carbon-fiber plies that curve upon cooling.

Eramet and the Gabonese Republic signed a memorandum to develop a biochar production sector using forestry by-products. An industrial seed fund "Made in Gabon" will also be launched.

Researchers at the World Resources Institute report that current global CO₂ removal capacity is insufficient to meet the 2030 target of one billion tonnes, with technologies like Direct Air Capture and biochar facing high costs and scalability challenges. This shortfall impacts the advanced carbon materials sector, as these technologies are crucial for achieving net-negative emissions and supporting the sustainable use of biochar and other carbon-based solutions.

NanoMalaysia (NMB) is set to begin small-scale production of a graphene-enhanced lithium-ion battery for electric vehicles at its 15,000-square-foot facility in Sepang, Malaysia. By incorporating graphene instead of graphite, the battery aims to triple energy storage capacity, which could significantly enhance the performance of carbon-based materials in EV applications.

Researchers at Penn State have developed a battery-free solar computing chip that integrates silicon photovoltaics, MoS₂/WSe₂ complementary logic, and graphene chemical sensors. This innovation highlights the potential of graphene in enhancing the efficiency and functionality of solar-powered computing devices.

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have developed a new perovskite solar cell by incorporating graphene, enhancing its durability and efficiency. This advancement in perovskite technology could significantly reduce production costs and improve the performance of solar cells, potentially increasing the adoption of lightweight, flexible solar solutions over traditional silicon-based panels.

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a scalable process to produce graphene oxide from methane, a component of natural gas. This advancement could lower the cost of graphene oxide production, enhancing its availability for use in batteries, coatings, and electronics.

A report on biochar plants in Rajasthan indicates that UV treatment effectively maintains faecal coliform levels within permissible limits in treated liquids at most sites. This is significant for the biochar sector as it highlights the potential of biochar to be used in wastewater management while addressing environmental safety concerns.

Nex Cap Energy has identified key industries that benefit most from graphene supercapacitors, highlighting sectors such as telecommunications, electric vehicle fleets, solar, and marine applications. This development underscores the potential of graphene in enhancing energy storage solutions across diverse fields.

Firefly Aerospace has secured a $13 million subcontract from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to produce and test the aeroshell for the SkyFall Mars mission, slated for a late 2028 launch. This project will utilize carbon fiber composites for the aeroshell's backshell and heatshield, highlighting the material's critical role in protecting spacecraft during the harsh entry, descent, and landing phases on Mars.

The Government of Québec has announced its Plan de gestion intégrée des ressources énergétiques (PGIRE), committing $87 billion over 25 years to boost renewable energy, including forest bioenergy. This investment could significantly advance the production of renewable natural gas and biocarbon, both critical for decarbonizing industries reliant on carbon-based fuels.

Hina Battery is establishing a 2 GWh sodium-ion battery production line in Wuhan to support commercial transport and cargo operations along the Yangtze River. This development is significant as it leverages local carbon resources to reduce reliance on imported lithium, ensuring stable battery supply for heavy-duty vehicles.

Valency International has opened Africa's first large-scale biochar plant using cashew nut shells in Côte d'Ivoire. This development could enhance the production of biochar, a carbon-rich material, from agricultural waste, promoting sustainable practices in the region.

Researchers at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, along with collaborators, have developed a perovskite solar cell with a graphene-oxide interface that achieves 27.3% power conversion efficiency and maintains over 90% of this efficiency after 770 hours of operation. This advancement addresses the stability issues in all-perovskite triple-junction cells, potentially paving the way for more durable and efficient solar technologies using carbon-based materials like graphene.

Researchers at the National Research and Innovation Agency have developed biobriquettes from ginger rhizome waste, offering an alternative energy source. This innovation not only reduces environmental pollution from ginger waste but also supports the clean energy transition by utilizing biochar derived from lignocellulose-rich materials.

Avanco Composites has introduced a Type 4.5 pressure vessel that uses thermoplastic composites to match the polymer in the plastic liner with the matrix system in the overwrap. This fusion allows for enhanced storage solutions, particularly benefiting applications that require lightweight and efficient carbon fiber-reinforced structures.

Turquoise Group has achieved Verified Graphene Producer® status, confirming its capability to produce 30 tonnes of high-purity few-layer graphene annually at its Brisbane facility. This certification enhances the company's credibility in delivering high-quality graphene, a material crucial for applications in coatings, composites, and energy storage.

ÉireComposites has manufactured three carbon fibre stray light baffles for the European Space Agency's Altius ozone monitoring mission. This development highlights the use of carbon fibre in aerospace applications, particularly in enhancing the performance of optical instruments.

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin built a perovskite triple-junction solar cell reaching 27.3% efficiency with no measurable degradation over 770 hours of operation.

Researchers at the Institute of Environment under the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center have developed a technology for large-scale biochar production from agricultural and forestry biomass, capable of producing over 50,000 tonnes annually. This advancement in biochar technology supports environmental sustainability by transforming agricultural waste into a high-value carbon-rich material, with applications in soil enhancement, energy storage, and more.

Researchers from the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology have developed a new infrared sensor using single-walled carbon nanotubes, which shows a conductivity change 10,000 to 100,000 times more pronounced than graphene. This advancement could lead to more sensitive and compact thermal cameras and medical sensors, leveraging the unique properties of carbon nanotubes for enhanced infrared detection without the need for cooling.

BrandName has introduced a continuous bamboo pyrolysis machine designed to convert waste bamboo materials into biochar. This development is significant for the biochar sector as it offers a sustainable method to recycle flue gas as heating fuel, enhancing the efficiency and environmental impact of biochar production.

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong reached 20.5% power conversion efficiency in an organic solar cell by recovering normally non-emissive triplet excitons as extractable charge carriers.

Green Development plans to establish a large battery storage facility at its biochar plant in Quonset. The project could enhance the integration of biochar production with renewable energy storage, potentially increasing efficiency and sustainability in the sector.

The Government of Himachal Pradesh, in collaboration with Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry and ProClime Services Private Limited, has launched India's first indigenous biochar project in Hamirpur district, aiming to convert forest biomass into biochar to reduce fire risks and generate carbon credits. This initiative is significant for the advanced carbon materials sector as it transforms waste biomass into biochar, a stable carbon-rich material, thereby contributing to carbon sequestration and offering a sustainable model for forest management and rural livelihoods.

Kazakh Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov met with representatives from Full Vision Capital, Towngas, and EcoCeres to discuss a project for producing sustainable aviation fuel from industrial oilseeds. This initiative could enhance the use of carbon materials like biochar by utilizing agricultural and food waste, contributing to environmentally friendly fuel alternatives.

Innofibre is collaborating with PyroGenesis to convert biomass into syngas, focusing on the development and commercialization of bio-based products. This collaboration is significant for the advanced carbon materials sector as it enhances the production and application of biochar, a valuable carbon material.

The International Virtual Institute of Global Changes and COMLURB have converted approximately one ton of urban tree trimmings in Rio de Janeiro into 300 kilograms of biochar and pyrolytic oil using pyrolysis. This initiative transforms municipal green waste into valuable resources for soil improvement and energy research, highlighting a sustainable approach to waste management in the carbon materials sector.

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a covalent organic framework (COF)-graphene interlayer that significantly reduces polysulfide shuttling in lithium-sulfur batteries, achieving a high reversible capacity of 1455.7 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.2 A g⁻¹. This advancement is crucial for the practical deployment of lithium-sulfur batteries, as it addresses the long-standing challenge of polysulfide migration, potentially leading to more efficient and durable energy storage solutions.

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a graphene-based interlayer for lithium-sulfur batteries that maintains capacity over 1,000 charge-discharge cycles. This advancement addresses the polysulfide shuttle effect, enhancing the lifespan and efficiency of lithium-sulfur batteries, which are seen as a promising alternative to lithium-ion technology due to their higher energy storage potential.

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new method to produce graphene oxide from methane using a plasma-based reactor, which simultaneously generates hydrogen as a byproduct. This scalable approach could reduce reliance on graphite for graphene oxide production, offering a cost-effective alternative for applications in batteries, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.

Researchers at MIT have discovered that rhombohedral graphene can host multiple superconducting states simultaneously, with some states becoming stronger under magnetic fields. This finding is significant for advanced carbon materials as it reveals new possibilities for manipulating graphene's superconducting properties, which could impact quantum computing and other technologies relying on superconductivity.

Researchers at Concordia University have developed a 4D-printing method to create curved blades for vertical-axis wind turbines from flat carbon-fibre composite panels, resulting in blades that weigh 80% less than commercial aluminum blades. This advancement could significantly reduce manufacturing costs and promote the use of lightweight carbon-fibre composites in renewable energy systems.

Researchers at Concordia University have developed a 4D-printing method for carbon-fibre composite panels that makes small vertical-axis wind turbine blades lighter, cheaper and easier to produce.

Nandina REM and Odyssey Space are collaborating to explore the use of recycled carbon fiber in spacecraft applications. This initiative could enhance the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of spacecraft manufacturing by utilizing recycled materials.

Researchers chemically restructured terpene molecules from pine resin rosin to make high-quality bulk graphite, overcoming a longstanding limitation of biomass-derived carbon precursors.

Coffee!Up in the Czech Republic is transforming used coffee grounds into products like natural soap, coffee oil, biomass, and biochar, as highlighted by the European Commission. This initiative is significant for the advanced carbon materials sector because it demonstrates the potential for waste coffee grounds to be converted into valuable materials such as biochar, which can improve soil health and contribute to carbon sequestration efforts.

Biomass-derived carbon nanoparticles deliver high-rate sodium storage, offering a route to sodium-ion battery anodes made from renewable feedstock rather than graphite.

W&nergy and Enerfip in France have launched a crowdfunding campaign to finance the conversion of local biomass into renewable syngas and high-stability biochar. This initiative could enhance biochar production, which is valued for its potential to improve soil health and sequester carbon.

CCIC and UNNC have introduced a recycled carbon fiber manufacturing platform at the SAMPE China 2026 Conference, addressing four major industry challenges including extreme energy use. This innovation is significant for the carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sector as it promises to reduce costs and carbon emissions associated with production.

Researchers at the International Virtual Institute of Global Changes, COPPE/UFRJ, in partnership with COMLURB, have converted one ton of urban pruning waste in Rio de Janeiro into approximately 300 kilos of biochar and pyrolytic oil. This initiative demonstrates the potential of using urban plant waste as a raw material for producing carbon-rich biochar, which can be used as a soil conditioner and for carbon storage, contributing to sustainable waste management and decarbonization efforts.

Researchers at the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology have developed a sensor electrode using a composite material of graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and gold nanoparticles that can detect pesticide residues at concentrations as low as parts per billion (ppb). This advancement is significant for the field of advanced carbon materials as it enhances the sensitivity and functionality of sensors, contributing to improved agricultural product monitoring and food safety.

Ant Studio in Noida has designed a sustainable home for Kamran Haider using green cement and biochar to offset carbon emissions. This approach highlights the potential for advanced carbon materials like biochar to enhance sustainability in building design by reducing embodied carbon and improving energy efficiency.

Bakkafrost Scotland showcased its Applecross recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) facility during a visit by Scotland’s marine minister, highlighting its strategy of rearing salmon longer in freshwater conditions. The facility plans to install pyrolysis technology to convert hatchery waste into biochar, aligning with efforts to reduce environmental impact and enhance sustainability in aquaculture.

Avadain has increased its crowdfunding cap to $3.75 million to support its graphene production initiatives. This funding boost is significant for the advanced carbon materials sector as Avadain's graphene has the potential to replace silver in printed electronics and mined graphite in battery anodes.

A hybrid electrode pairing VS2 nanosheets with porous graphitic carbon nitride nanotubes speeds charge transport, improving the rate performance of solid-state supercapacitors.

Integrals Power has been selected as the LMFP supplier for the EU-funded OLiMPUS battery project, which aims for mass production in Europe by 2032. This development is significant for the advanced carbon materials sector as it involves synthetic graphite anodes, which are crucial for reducing the carbon footprint and enhancing the sustainability of battery production.

A review published in the journal Biochar highlights the potential of biochar-based porous materials for sustainable uranium capture. This is significant for advanced carbon materials as it suggests a new application for biochar in environmental remediation and resource recovery.

Hexagon Composites has developed larger Type 4 composite pressure vessels utilizing carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) to meet increasing demands in data centers and space applications. This advancement in CFRP technology allows for lighter and more efficient storage solutions, crucial for industries requiring high-performance materials.

A biochar-enhanced three-dimensional conductive network improves the kinetics of thick electrodes, addressing a bottleneck in the efficiency of lithium extraction.

Researchers developed a biochar-based catalyst to convert microalgae into cleaner fuels, as reported on June 30, 2026. This advances biochar's role beyond soil amendment into catalytic applications, expanding its relevance within the advanced carbon materials sector.

Boeing and Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials are testing prototype cabin sidewall panels made from pyrolysis-derived recycled carbon fiber under Mitsubishi's KyronTEX material line, while separate simulation research found a scaled-down wing spar built from recycled carbon fiber performed within acceptable stress margins compared to a virgin-fiber equivalent. Recycled carbon fiber remains limited to non-structural or secondary aerospace applications due to unresolved fiber length, alignment, and surface sizing deficiencies, with primary structural qualification requiring years of additional testing and supply chain development.

Graphene-based energy storage systems have been reported to reach energy densities up to 650 Wh/kg, compared to 150–250 Wh/kg for conventional lithium-ion batteries, according to a report focused on Italy's renewable energy storage needs. This performance gap highlights graphene's potential role in grid-scale storage applications, a key growth area for the advanced carbon materials sector.

Canada's graphene sector has developed across production, construction, filtration, printed electronics, and energy storage, with companies such as NanoXplore operating a 4,000-metric-ton-per-year facility in Montréal and firms like Zentek and Graphene Leaders Canada advancing application-specific products toward commercial deployment. The ecosystem signals a shift from materials science demonstration toward repeatable industrial use cases in carbon-based composites, conductive additives, and separation technologies, though commercial viability still depends on product qualification, standardization, and cost competitiveness against incumbent materials.

Researchers at POSTECH in South Korea engineered hollow silicon nanotube structures that reduced thermal conductivity by 70% compared to solid silicon nanowires by trapping phonons at near-room temperature. The approach uses abundant silicon compatible with existing semiconductor manufacturing, offering a potential alternative to rare-material-dependent thermoelectric devices for waste heat recovery in data centers, EV batteries, and industrial facilities.

Penn State researchers converted waste PET plastic bottles into synthetic graphite by blending shredded PET with 2.5% graphene oxide by weight and applying heat treatment, producing crystallite dimensions that exceeded those of natural graphite without metal catalysts. The metal-free process reduces post-processing steps needed to achieve battery-grade purity and could supply graphitic carbon for lithium-ion anodes and hard carbon for sodium-ion batteries from a single plastic waste feedstock.

Researchers from Cambridge, Harvard, Caltech, and the Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research used machine-learning simulations to study water confined between graphene and hexagonal boron nitride sheets, finding that confinement alone does not alter water's reactivity but that pressure and surface chemistry of the confining material are the controlling factors. For the carbon materials sector, the study establishes that graphene's chemically inert surface does not enhance water dissociation, while reactive surfaces like hBN do, offering a design principle for selecting 2D carbon and non-carbon materials in membranes, fuel cells, and electrochemical systems.

Jamco joined a NEDO-led Japanese consortium—including Nagoya University, Subaru, and JAXA—to develop a circular economy supply chain for recovering and reusing CFRP from retired aircraft. The project targets a persistent gap in the carbon fiber composites sector: the lack of validated processes and standards needed to reintroduce recycled CFRP into certified aircraft components.

TNB Research has operated an anaerobic digestion and torrefaction pilot facility in Kajang since 2018, processing up to 350kg of food waste daily to produce biogas with 60–65% methane content and 10–30kg of biochar per torrefaction cycle. The biochar output is being evaluated for carbon material applications, soil improvement, and solid fuel enhancement, with data from the pilot intended to inform future scale-up decisions.

BRIN's Molecular Chemistry Research Center used slow pyrolysis to convert empty oil palm fruit bunch waste into bio-oil, liquid smoke, and biochar, with processing times of two to four hours. The process yields biochar as a value-added carbon material and bio-oil containing phenolic compounds usable as industrial boiler fuel or potential fuel additives.

The Advanced Carbons Council published a position paper in May 2026 arguing that carbon credit financing should be redirected from geological carbon capture and sequestration toward conversion of captured carbon into advanced materials such as graphene, carbon fiber, biochar, and carbon nanotubes. The paper contends that carbon-to-materials conversion projects are commercially self-sustaining without ongoing subsidies, unlike CCS, and deliver compounding lifecycle emissions reductions across sectors including construction, aerospace, agriculture, and energy storage.

Nanospan commercially launched GalvaShield-G, a graphene-enhanced corrosion inhibitor coating for offshore wind turbine towers and monopile foundations, priced at EUR 18 per litre and produced at its Hyderabad facility at 1,200 tonnes per annum capacity. The product demonstrates a commercial application of graphene in protective coatings for harsh marine environments, with third-party-validated maintenance interval extension from 5 to 12 years supporting the case for graphene's functional value in infrastructure composites.

Researchers at EMPA demonstrated a graphene-composite leading-edge skin that reduces aircraft de-icing energy consumption by 60%, achieving ice shedding at 5 W/cm² in panels tested at -25°C and 240 km/h after 1,200 cycles without delamination. The result advances graphene's case as a functional heating element within carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer structures for aerospace applications, with EMPA now scaling production toward trial integration in a commercial trainer aircraft.

NeoGraf commissioned a new production line at its Lakewood, Ohio facility, adding 2,000 tonnes per annum of flexible graphite sheet capacity funded by a $38 million investment, bringing its total to 11,000 tonnes per annum. The expansion increases domestic supply of high-purity exfoliated graphite sheets for EV battery thermal management, where the material's in-plane thermal conductivity above 600 W/m·K at low density addresses a critical requirement for North American automotive manufacturers.

GraphEnergyTech, the University of Cambridge, Taiwan Perovskite Solar Corporation, and ITRI launched the GETPSC project to develop graphene-based electrodes as a replacement for silver electrodes in perovskite solar cells. The project targets a known barrier to commercial-scale perovskite adoption, with potential secondary applications for GraphEnergyTech's conductive carbon technology in batteries, supercapacitors, and electronics.

Levidian and Zentek have signed an agreement to explore building a graphene-integrated manufacturing facility in the Middle East, combining Levidian's methane-derived graphene production with Zentek's graphene-enhanced air filters. The deal signals growing regional demand for graphene-enhanced products and positions the Middle East as an emerging hub for graphene manufacturing and deployment across multiple industries.

First Graphene and Halocell Energy, in collaboration with Queensland University of Technology, reported that adding First Graphene's PureGraph graphene product to Halocell's perovskite solar cells raised efficiency to 30.6% and cut production costs by up to 80% by replacing gold and silver conductors via roll-to-roll processing. The result demonstrates a commercial application for graphene as a functional coating material in photovoltaics, with cost and efficiency metrics that could accelerate perovskite cell adoption over conventional silicon.

Researchers developed a 3D porous solar evaporator using recycled carbon fiber combined with a CuO/reduced graphene oxide photothermal layer to improve solar-driven water evaporation performance and salt resistance. The work demonstrates a pathway for valorizing recycled carbon fiber as a functional substrate in graphene-based photothermal composites, linking carbon fiber recycling with emerging solar evaporation applications.