Single-/Few-Layer Graphene as Long-Lasting Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

The development of carbonaceous materials electro-catalytically active for water splitting reactions could overcome multiple disadvantages of metallic catalysts, including high cost, low selectivity, poor durability, and susceptibility to evolved gas. General guidelines to design carbon-based hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts still remain a topic of debate. Here, we identify single-/few-layer graphene flakes with defective edges (SLG/FLG-DE), produced by hydrogen peroxide-assisted cosolvent liquid phase exfoliation, as durable and efficient HER electrocatalysts. The SLG/FLG-DE display overpotentials at 10 mA cm(-2) of 55 and 85 mV in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 1 M KOH solutions, respectively, as well as a durable HER activity over 200 h

Adhesion and migration of CHO cells on micropatterned single layer graphene

none5noneKeshavan, S. and Oropesa-Nuñez, R. and Diaspro, A. and Canale, C. and Dante, S.Keshavan, S.; Oropesa-Nuñez, R.; Diaspro, A.; Canale, C.; Dante, S

High-yield production of 2D crystals by wet-jet milling

Efficient and scalable production of two-dimensional (2D) materials is required to overcome technological hurdles towards the creation of a 2D-material-based industry. Here, we present a novel approach developed for the exfoliation of layered crystals, i.e., graphite, hexagonal-boron nitride and transition metal dichalcogenides. The process is based on high-pressure wet-jet-milling (WJM), resulting in a 2 L h−1 production of 10 g L−1 of single- and few-layer 2D crystal flakes in dispersion making the scaling-up more affordable. The WJM process enables the production of defect-free and high quality 2D-crystal dispersions on a large scale, opening the way for their full exploitation in different commercial applications, e.g., as anode active material in lithium ion batteries, as reinforcement in polymer–graphene composites, and as conductive inks, as we demonstrate in this report

Characterization tools for mechanical probing of biomimetic materials

The possibility to fully heal damaged or failing tissues and organs is one of the major challenges of modern medicine. Several approaches have been proposed, either using tissue engineered functional substitutes or inducing the body to self-repair, exploiting its innate regenerative potential. In any case, a crucial step for the success of therapy is provided by the design of a suitable scaffold, capable to sustain cellular growth and induce the differentiation towards the lineage of interest. A growing body of evidence suggests that the most affordable way to design an effective scaffold is to exploit a biomimetic approach, trying to emulate the characteristics of the natural environment. Moreover, it has been pointed out that not only the chemical nature of the material is relevant to this process but also its physical and, in particular, mechanical properties. Mapping the elasticity of a living tissue is becoming more and more relevant in the rational design of next generation biomimetic scaffolds, and the exploitation of advanced tools is required to achieve sub-μm resolution, comparable to the length scale probed by a single living cell