Synthesis challenges for graphene industry.

Human beings have been familiar with carbon materials for thousands of years; however, acquaintance with a single layer of sp2 carbon atoms arose only in 2004 when Andre Geim and Kostya Novoselov successfully isolated a monolayer of graphene. “Carbon, the basis of all known life on earth, has surprised us once again”. This statement stems from the press release by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences upon awarding the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics to the physicists from The University of Manchester for their “ground-breaking experiments regarding the two-dimensional material graphene”. The unprecedented physical properties and unique morphology of graphene have opened doors for the scientists towards a new realm of carbon nanomaterials. In just 10 years, graphene has become a dazzling star for researchers in many scientific disciplines worldwide. The potential applications of graphene in flexible electronics and energy storage/generation devices further drive international graphene research activities, which is reflected by a recent review of the patent landscape of graphene by the UK Intellectual Property Office. Graphene patent applications have doubled between 2010 and 2012, and there has been an order of magnitude increase in patent applications over the last five years, with a total of 8416 patents worldwide by February 2013. Recently, a roadmap for graphene was published in Nature, highlighting its possible future path in the fields of electronics, photonics, composite materials, energy generation and storage, sensors, and biomedicine. In 2013, the European Union launched the Graphene Flagship targeting the future applications of this wonder material. The fast development of scientific research in China in the past decade has enabled Chinese scientists to become major players in the realm of graphene research. In 2013, it was estimated that 2200 patents relating to graphene came from China. Moreover, many exciting results from graphene studies have been published by Chinese researchers in the last ten years. By the end of 2012, researchers in China had published more than 6000 papers on graphene, which in total were cited over 90 000 times. Science Daily has estimated that the rate of graphene related publications from China increases by more than 70% annually. In order to highlight the quality of graphene research coming from Chinese scientists, we have organized this Special Issue of Small, with contributions from leading research groups in China. This special issue contains 18 papers including 1 concept article, 6 review articles, 4 communications, and 7 full papers. The content of these papers covers a broad range of graphene research, including theory, synthesis and processing of graphene and graphene-like 2D materials, and their applications in electronics, energy storage, and catalysis. During the organization of this special issue, we have received invaluable support from Sir Andre Geim, co-discoverer of graphene, Dr. Jose Oliveira, Editor-in-Chief of Small, and Dr. Yan Li, Editor of Small. Our gratitude goes to the whole editorial team of Small for their enthusiastic pushing forward and professional editing. Last but not least, we are greatly indebted to all the contributing authors of this special issue. Although this special issue cannot cover all the progress made in graphene research in China, it reflects how Chinese scientists contribute to the development of graphene-based materials. We sincerely hope that this special issue will inspire readers to make more breakthroughs in research on graphene and other 2D nanomaterials. Moreover, it is anticipated that this special issue will further stimulate exciting collaborations between Chinese researchers and scientists worldwide.

Graphene, one-atom-thick planar sheet of carbon atoms densely packed in a honeycomb crystal lattice, has grabbed appreciable attention due to its exceptional electronic and optoelectronic properties. The reported properties and applications of this two-dimensional form of carbon structure have opened up new opportunities for the future devices and systems. Although graphene is known as one of the best electronic materials, synthesizing single sheet of graphene has been less explored. This review article aims to present an overview of the advancement of research in graphene, in the area of synthesis, properties and applications, such as field emission, sensors, electronics, and energy. Wherever applicable, the limitations of present knowledgebase and future research directions have also been highlighted.

Graphene has a unique structure and potential applications in nanoelectronics, nanocomposites, conductive and transparent films, etc. Synthesis of graphene is one of the major research efforts in order to make rapid developments in graphene research. In this study, a new method, that makes use of the π−π interactions between porphyrin and graphene to stabilize the chemically converted graphene (CCG), has been developed for preparation of CCG via chemical reduction of exfoliated graphene oxide (GO). Optical absorption spectroscopy measurement shows that π−π interactions take place between GO and porphyrins, 5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21H, 23H-porphine-p,p′,p′′,p′′′-tetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium hydrate (TPP-SO3Na) and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-trimethylammoniophenyl) porphyrin tetra(p-toluenesulfonate). TPP-SO3Na functionalized CCG can form a stable aqueous suspension due to the electrostatic repulsion between the CCG sheets, which results from the aggregation of TPP-SO3Na molecules on the surfaces of the CCG she...

In the last decade, there has been a phenomenal development in the commercially viable, large-scale synthesis of graphene, a multifunctional advanced carbon nanomaterial, which is gaining popularity for its diverse range of applications, especially in energy storage, composites, sensors, and membranes. With the increasing demand, a large number of worldwide research efforts have been employed, resulting in a series of enormous breakthroughs both in its fundamental science and innovative applications. The earlier reviews on graphene show that the increase in the production yield is often accompanied by the generation of substandard graphene quality, making the process unsuited for commercialization. However, recent studies on graphene synthesis have shown the use of naturally available carbonaceous sources for the production of low-cost graphene derivatives is becoming an emerging trend in graphene research. In this present review, the most recent advances in the synthesis of high-quality graphene from solid carbon precursors, particularly abundant coal, biomass, and waste materials, have been extensively discussed along with their potential scalability for commercial production. The quality and yield of these graphene derivatives synthesized through different methods like chemical vapor deposition, exfoliation, laser-induced, microwave irradiation, and chemical methods are also examined to determine the best-suited synthetic methodology from the available literature. The utilization of graphene derivatives in the energy sector was further discussed, particularly in the emerging field of energy storage. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of this study are highlighted to have a better understanding of the current graphene production scenario, with an insight into the most efficient method for synthesizing high-purity low-cost graphene and their potential for scale-up and energy applications in the distant future.

Top-down synthesis of graphene: A comprehensive review

This paper highlights the current critical business challenges in the architecture industry. The initial study reviews the latest statistics of the architecture industry, research findings in the discipline of architecture management, knowledge and education gaps, as well as current business needs and development perspective. The review of the Latvian architecture industry based on publicly available data and the opinion of professionals concerning the business needs of the architecture industry is used as a case study. The main recommendations for architecture industry professionals are related to necessity to improve the architects’ awareness and understanding of the influence of critical business functions to the company performance results, and application of most advanced management tools in architecture industry for ensuring business viability. The paper is highlighting the need for further research on critical business functions directly linked with specific aspects of architecture industry in different business contexts.

In response to heightened pressures from regulatory mandates, global competition, and evolving customer expectations, industries worldwide are compelled to prioritize environmental initiatives, often at the expense of economic considerations. The research gap addressed in this study is the lack of a comprehensive, data-driven optimization model for effectively mitigating sustainable supply chain management adoption challenges specific to the Bangladeshi Readymade Garments (RMG) industry. While previous studies often relied on single techniques, this research proposes a novel AHP integrated QFD-based MILP optimization model. This innovative approach empowers Bangladeshi RMG industries to make data-driven decisions for prioritizing sustainability challenges and selecting cost-effective mitigation strategies to promote the integration of sustainability initiatives within the sector. The study identifies and prioritizes 25 sustainable supply chain management adoption challenges and proposes 16 mitigation strategies. The model emphasizes the critical interplay between sustainability performance and implementation costs, achieving a sustainability performance score of 0.4511 while effectively implementing 12 out of 16 strategies within the expected budget. The optimal solution incorporates green strategies, technology integration, and aspects of Industry 5.0, demonstrating a holistic approach to sustainable supply chain management. The findings are crucial for Bangladeshi RMG industries aiming for global market competitiveness and contribute significantly to the academic field by introducing a robust, data-driven decisions for sustainable supply chain optimization. The implications extend beyond the RMG sector, offering a replicable model for other industries and regions facing similar sustainability challenges.

Industry 4.0 (the fourth industrial revolution) encapsulates future industry development trends to achieve more intelligent manufacturing processes, including reliance on Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), construction of Cyber-Physical Production Systems (CPPS), and implementation and operation of smart factories. This paper introduces relevant aspects of Industry 4.0 in relation to strategic planning, key technologies, opportunities, and challenges. Strategic planning includes construction of a CPS network, discussion of two major themes which are based on the smart factory and intelligent production, achieving three integrations (horizontal integration, vertical integration and end-to-end integration) and achieving eight plans which consist of the formulation of system standardization, efficient management etc. Finally, it referred to the enlightenment for China's manufacturing industries, to build China's Industry 4.0.

Recent advances in graphene research have enabled the utilization of its nanocomposites for numerous energy-based and environmental applications. Recently, the advancement in graphene-based polymer nanocomposites has received much attention with special emphasis on synthesis and application. Graphene-based nanocomposites show astonishing electrical, mechanical, chemical, and thermal characteristics. Graphene nanocomposites (GNCs) are synthesized using a variety of methods, including covalent and non-covalent methods, a chemical-based deposition approach, hydrothermal growth, electrophoresis deposition, and physical deposition. Chemical methods are the most viable route for producing graphene in small quantities at low temperatures. The technique can also produce graphene films on a variety of substrate materials. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) for the synthesis of AI-created nanoparticles has recently received a lot of attention. These nanocomposite materials have excellent applications in the environmental, energy, and agricultural sectors. Due to high carrier mobility, graphene-based materials enhance the photocatalytic performance of semiconductor materials. Similarly, these materials have high potential for pollutant removal, especially heavy metals, due to their high surface area. This article highlights the synthesis of graphene-based nanocomposites with special reference to harnessing the power of modern AI tools to better understand GNC material properties and the way this knowledge can be used for its better applications in the development of a sustainable future.

Since the first development of large-area graphene synthesis by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method in 2009, CVD-graphene has been considered to be a key material in the future electronics, energy, and display industries, which require transparent, flexible, and stretchable characteristics. Although many graphene-based prototype applications have been demonstrated, several important issues must be addressed in order for them to be compatible with current complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-based manufacturing processes. In particular, metal contamination and mechanical damage, caused by the metal catalyst for graphene growth, are known to cause severe and irreversible deterioration in the performance of devices. The most effective way to solve the problems is to grow the graphene directly on the semiconductor substrate. Herein, recent advances in the direct growth of graphene on group-IV semiconductors are reviewed, focusing mainly on the growth mechanism and initial growth behavior when graphene is synthesized on Si and Ge. Furthermore, recent progress in the device applications of graphene with Si and Ge are presented. Finally, perspectives for future research in graphene with a semiconductor are discussed.

The emission of acid compounds during the manufacture of ceramic tiles is strongly related to the presence of precursors in the raw materials and/or fuels used, with some exceptions such as the production of thermal NOX. The stages with the potential to produce significant emissions of these compounds have been identified as the suspension spray drying and tile firing stages. The monitoring of emission levels of acid pollutants in these stages has turned in a great importance issue from a regulatory and industrial aspect. The DREAM project (https://www.spire2030.eu/dream) will tackle the regulation of acidic emissions focusing in the firing stage. The initial stages of the project have made it possible to identify the design requirements for the monitoring system. This will allow the control of acid pollutants emissions and other key parameters such as pressure, flow, temperature and humidity. One of the tasks developed has been the review and compilation of current emissions monitoring systems detailing technical specifications such as: position (in situ or extractive), measurement principle and frequency. The future policy trends in air pollution are encouraging the continuous monitoring across the European industry. The present document assesses the advantages regarding environmental impact control, highlighting the main challenges for the ceramic tile industry.

Footwear manufacturing is, basically, a process of transformation and assembly of various components made up of several materials where different adhesives play a key role. The footwear industry currently uses a large variety of materials and, thus, challenges for the adhesive industry have increased recently, since bonding dissimilar materials with good performance requires specially formulated adhesives. The proper choice of adhesive is crucial to ensure the bond strength required; however, the adhesive joint performance depends on the nature of the different substrates used as footwear materials. For this reason, it is important to consider the joint design, the surface treatment, and adhesive properties that depend on their formulation, and so on. The joining of the upper to the sole is the most demanding process in terms of peel resistance, and solvent-based polyurethane (PU) and polychloroprene (PCP) adhesives are the most commonly used ones today in the footwear manufacturing process. However, due to environmental and occupational risks, one of the objectives of the footwear industry in the near future is the use of healthy and more sustainable adhesives, such as water-based and hot-melt adhesives. Furthermore, the automation of the bonding process through robotics is one of the big challenges for the footwear industry, according to the so-called Industry 4.0 or the fourth industrial revolution: the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. Moreover, the functionalization of adhesives using nanoparticles to provide improved properties and new functions is an emerging technological innovation in the footwear industry as well.

This article focuses on sustainable development in the construction industry and analyses the environmental, economic and social impacts of sustainable construction. The environmental aspects mainly include energy consumption and new energy use, garbage recycling. Sustainable construction also has a mitigating effect on some problems in urban development, such as the heat island effect. In terms of economy, sustainable construction can improve the economic efficiency of the construction industry and drive the comprehensive development of all aspects of the construction industry. On the social side, sustainable architecture reduces the pressure on the city and contributes to the long-term stability of society. Through multi-faceted assessments and analysis from different perspectives, the importance of sustainability for the current and future construction industry is illustrated. Nowadays, high energy consumption and high pollution in the building industry are harmful to humans. In order to change the status quo and meet the requirements of development, it is necessary to integrate the concept of sustainable construction into the design, construction, and energy consumption of construction in the future. The article also makes recommendations on how sustainable buildings can be well-known or recognized in the future and contribute to the sustainability of the future construction industry.

Developing a new social impact assessment model for deep open-pit mines

PurposeThis paper aims to present practical answers to the strategic question: “What innovations are needed in the Canadian hotel industry and how might they be implemented to secure the industry's future?” It aims to capture the essence of conclusions of seven papers written by 23 experts on aspects related to the hotel industry of Canada for the Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) issue on Canada in 2013.Design/methodology/approachThe approach of this paper is to integrate all solutions suggested in these seven papers and to seek a succinct response to the strategic question.FindingsWhile providing a helicopter view of the key trends and challenges of the hotel industry of Canada, this paper proposes implementable and practical solutions to those challenges. Using the 2012 WHATT Roundtable discussion in Ottawa, Canada as the foundation, this paper addresses some of the most significant issues affecting the hotel industry of Canada today. In conclusion, 12 key suggestions are made.Practical implicationsThe paper reviews past concepts and industry practices as well as current practices to identify practical, effective and innovative approaches for the future.Originality/valueThis paper provides fresh perspectives on many relevant issues by analysing inputs, viewpoints, comments, and suggestions of many subject experts. Readers with interests in the hotel industry in Canada or similar tourism destinations around the world would benefit from reading this paper.