In the News

What is Graphene?

Graphene is the strongest material on the planet. It has uses that range from energy to the environment, construction, and even medical applications. Below, you’ll find Dr. Tour’s discoveries and applications for this material. But before diving in, check out this video to learn about this new synthesis method.

Click below for articles in the news about exciting new developments from Dr. Tour and his team of investigators in these fields:

Aerospace

De-icing

Dr. Tour’s innovative de-icing solutions utilizing graphene-based materials focus on creating coatings that prevent ice formation and facilitate ice removal on various surfaces.

Graphene Nanoribbon-Based Coatings: Dr. Tour’s team has engineered coatings composed of graphene nanoribbons embedded in an epoxy matrix. These electrically conductive coatings can be applied to surfaces such as aircraft wings and helicopter rotor blades. When an electrical current passes through the coating, it generates heat, effectively melting ice and preventing accumulation. This method offers a durable and efficient alternative to traditional de-icing techniques.

Dual-Function De-Icing and Anti-Icing Films: Further advancements led to the development of films that combine de-icing and anti-icing properties. These superhydrophobic films repel water and prevent ice formation at temperatures above 7°F (-14°C). Below this threshold, the films can be electrically heated to melt existing ice. This dual functionality makes them suitable for applications in extreme environments, including aircraft, power lines, and ships.

Dr. Tour’s work in de-icing applications demonstrates the potential of graphene-based materials to enhance safety and efficiency in industries affected by ice accumulation.

Rice scientists have modified their graphene-based de-icer to resist the formation of ice well below the freezing point and added superhydrophobic capabilities. The robust film is intended for use in extreme environments as well as on aircraft, power lines and ships. Illustration courtesy of the Tour Group

Rice de-icer gains anti-icing properties

Dual-function, graphene-based material good for aircraft, extreme environments 

Date Article Publication
13/2/2019 Handy graphene foam combos keep surfaces ice-free? Futurity
5/10/2016 Rice University graphene-based de-icer melts—and prevents ice from forming Trailer Body Builders
26/5/2016 Rice Adds Water Repulsion To Graphene De-Icer Aviation Week
24/5/2016 Dual-function, Graphene-based Material Good for Aircraft, Extreme Environments Nano Werk
24/5/2016 Rice de-icer gains anti-icing properties Wings Magazine
23/5/2016 Rice de-icer gains anti-icing properties: Dual-function, graphene-based material good for aircraft, extreme environments Nanotechnology Now
23/5/2016 Rice de-icer gains anti-icing properties Rice University News and Media Relations
23/5/2016 New de-icer gains anti-icing properties Science Daily
23/5/2016 Rice de-icer gains anti-icing properties Phys.org
28/1/2016 Rice University develops process to keep rotor blades ice free Helicopters Magazine
26/1/2016 Graphene Nanoribbons Effective at Melting Ice Net News Ledger
28/1/2016 Rice University Develops Graphene Composites to Simplify Ice Removal AZO Nano
27/1/2016 Graphene based material de-ices helicopter blades Digital Journal
27/1/2016 Researchers Develop Graphene Composite To Combat Ice Buildup Crazy Engineers
27/1/2016 A pinch of graphene could keep airplane wings ice-free New Atlas
26/1/2016 Graphene ribbons save the day during rescue operations Deccan Chronicle
26/1/2016 Graphene could help planes fly in icy conditions, Report Canada Journal
25/1/2016 Graphene could help keep planes flying in freezing conditions: ‘Ribbons’ of hi-tech material can keep wings ice free Daily Mail
20/12/2013 Graphene nanoribbons an ice-melting coat for radar Space Daily
16/12/2013 Waste plastic processing yields no-cost hydrogen GlobalSpec
16/12/2013 Researchers Develop Deicing Solution Using Graphene Nanoribbons to Protect Radars AZO Nano
16/12/2013 Radiofrequency Transparent, Electrically Conductive Graphene Nanoribbon Thin Films as De-icing Heating Layers Nanotechnology Today

Construction & Manufacturing

Boron Nitride

Dr. James Tour’s research at Rice University has led to significant advancements in synthesizing boron nitride (BN), a material with valuable applications in construction and manufacturing.

Flash Joule Heating for Boron Nitride Production:

Dr. Tour’s team adapted a process known as flash Joule heating to produce two-dimensional boron nitride (2D BN) and boron carbon nitride. This method involves exposing precursors to rapid heating and cooling, forming turbostratic BN flakes—layers with weak interlayer interactions that are easier to separate and solubilize. This process enables the scalable production of BN, which was previously challenging to synthesize in bulk and soluble forms.

Applications in Construction and Manufacturing:

The unique properties of BN, such as high thermal conductivity, chemical stability, and electrical insulation, make it suitable for various applications:

  • Thermal Management: BN’s high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation benefit electronics and high-temperature equipment, aiding in heat dissipation and enhancing performance.
  • Lubrication: BN.’s lubricious nature reduces friction in mechanical systems, improving the efficiency and longevity of components.
  • Protective Coatings: BN can be used as a protective coating in manufacturing processes, offering resistance to corrosion and oxidation, thereby extending the lifespan of tools and machinery.

Dr. Tour’s advancements in BN synthesis provide the construction and manufacturing industries access to high-quality BN materials, facilitating the development of more efficient, durable, and thermally stable products.

An illustration compares flakes of hexagonal boron nitride, top, and turbostratic boron nitride, bottom, the latter synthesized through the flash Joule heating process developed at Rice. Two-dimensional materials are turbostratic when interactions between their layers are weak, making them easier to separate and solubilize. Courtesy of the Tour Group

Flashing creates hard-to-get 2D boron nitride

Rice chemists adapt instant process to make more valuable nanomaterials

Date Article Publication
13/7/2022 Rice lab makes boron nitride in a flash The Engineer
12/7/2022 Chemists Devise Quick ‘Flashing’ Process to Create 2D Nanomaterials AZO Nano
11/7/2022 Flashing creates hard-to-get 2D boron nitride Rice University News and Media Relations
11/7/2022 Flashing creates hard-to-get 2D boron nitride Science Daily

Concrete Production

Dr. James Tour, a professor at Rice University, has pioneered innovative methods to enhance concrete production by incorporating graphene, leading to stronger and more sustainable materials.

Graphene from Waste Materials:

Dr. Tour’s team developed a flash Joule heating process to convert carbon-rich waste, such as used tires and food scraps, into graphene. This method involves exposing the waste to a rapid electrical discharge, transforming it into turbostratic graphene—a form with misaligned layers that disperses easily in composites. When added to concrete, this graphene significantly improves its mechanical properties. For instance, incorporating graphene derived from waste tires into concrete has been shown to enhance its strength and durability.

Graphene as a Sand Substitute:

Addressing the environmental concerns of sand mining, Dr. Tour’s research explored replacing sand in concrete with graphene produced from metallurgical coke, a coal byproduct. The resulting concrete is approximately 25% lighter while maintaining comparable strength to traditional concrete. This approach reduces the reliance on natural sand and offers a sustainable alternative that could mitigate the environmental impact of concrete production.

Dr. Tour’s work contributes to more sustainable and efficient concrete production through these advancements, leveraging waste materials to create high-performance building materials.

A study by Rice University researchers found that graphene derived from metallurgical coke, a coal-based product, could serve not only as a reinforcing additive in cement but also as a replacement for sand in concrete.

Rice study shows coal-based product could replace sand in concrete

Discovery could be part of a solution to the looming ‘sand crisis’

Date Article Publication
29/11/2024 New concrete revolutionizes construction: It does not use sand, is up to 25% lighter, more resistant and durable Petroleo E Gas
29/11/2024 Novo concreto revoluciona a construção: Não utiliza areia, é até 25% mais leve, mais resistente e durável Petroleo E Gas
26/1/2024 Rice study shows coal-based product could replace sand in concrete Rice University News and Media Relations
29/1/2024 Metallurgical coke used in next-gen cement, concrete Mining.com
29/1/2024 Could graphene be a sustainable solution to the impending ‘sand crisis?’ AZO Materials
20/1/2024 A game-changer in the quest to replace sand in concrete AZO Build
17/7/2023 All kinds of trash is turned into valuable graphene that can cut the environmental impact of concrete by a third Good News Network
31/3/2023 High-quality concrete produced with coal fly ash Mining.com
30/3/2023 Eco-friendly cement for a greener future AZO Build
29/3/2023 Purified fly ash used to produce greener, stronger concrete New Atlas
28/3/2023 Eco-efficient cement could pave the way to a greener future BioEngineer.com
28/3/2023 Eco-efficient cement could pave the way to a greener future News Wise
28/3/2023 Eco-efficient cement could pave the way to a greener future Science Daily
28/3/2023 Eco-friendly cement for a greener future Rice University News and Media Relations
1/2/2022 Tires turned into graphene make stronger concrete Tech Briefs
26/5/2021 Graphene-enhanced concrete could save cash and planet Engineering & Technology
10/4/2021 Recycled tire waste turned into graphene makes stronger concrete Intelligent Living
7/4/2021 Old tires turned into graphene that makes stronger concrete SciTechDaily
5/4/2021 New $12M research project aims to provide ‘practical solutions to critical environmental challenges’ Green Car Congress
30/3/2021 Graphene made from tires makes concrete stronger Futurity
13/1/2021 Flashing plastic ash completes recycling Rice University News and Media Relations
3/2/2020 Coal to concrete? Scientists report chemical breakthrough Energy Wire

Plastic (GFRP) Recycling

Dr. James Tour and his team at Rice University have developed an innovative method to recycle glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP), commonly used in products like aircraft components and wind turbine blades. Traditional disposal methods for GFRP often involve landfilling, which is unsustainable and environmentally detrimental.

Flash Joule Heating Process:

The team employs flash Joule heating, where GFRP waste is ground into a mixture of plastic and carbon. Additional carbon is added to ensure conductivity. By applying high voltage through electrodes, the mixture is rapidly heated to temperatures between 1,600°C and 2,900°C (2,912°F to 5,252°F). This intense heat facilitates the transformation of the plastic and carbon into silicon carbide (SiC), a material widely used in semiconductors, sandpaper, and other products.

Advantages of the Method:

  • High Material Recovery: The process achieves over a 90% material recovery rate,  making it highly efficient.
  • Energy Efficiency: The operating costs are less than $0.05 per kilogram, making it more cost-effective than traditional methods like incineration or solvolysis.
  • Environmental Benefits: This method is solvent-free and reduces the environmental impact of GFRP disposal.

By converting GFRP waste into valuable silicon carbide, Dr. Tour’s research offers a sustainable solution to the challenges of recycling complex composite materials, contributing to a more circular economy.

James Tour (left) and Yi Cheng (Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University)

Rice lab finds better way to handle hard-to-recycle material

Process transforms glass fiber-reinforced plastic into silicon carbide

Date Article Publication
10/6/2024 R&D team claims ‘ultra fast’ recycling of glass fiber-reinforced plastic Recycling International
21/3/2024 Recycling glass fiber-reinforced plastic in a flash Plastics Today
1/3/2024 Energy-efficient upcycling process to transform GFRP into silicon carbide AZO Materials
29/2/2024 Recycling research finds new process to transform glass fiber-reinforced plastic into silicon carbide Phys.org
29/2/2024 Rice lab finds better way to handle hard-to-recycle material Rice University News and Media Relations
14/9/2023 Making hydrogen from waste plastic could pay for itself Rice University News and Media Relations
17/3/2023 Nanotech method could make profits from waste plastic Futurity
27/2/2023 Research suggests path from waste plastics to high-value composites Plastics Technology
17/2/2023 Flash Joule heating recycles plastic into graphene for smart implants Medical Design & Outsourcing
1/8/2022 Ford and Rice U. turning plastic from end-of-life F-150 trucks into high-value graphene for new vehicles Design Fax
21/6/2022 The Importance of Lightweight Materials in Vehicles AZO Materials
13/6/2022 Recycling Waste Car Parts into Graphene AZO Materials
8/6/2022 Scrap car plastic used to make world’s strongest material The National
8/6/2022 Ford, Rice University turn end-of-life auto plastic waste into new parts Plastics News
2/6/2022 Mixed auto plastics turned into circular graphene Plastics Recycling Update
27/5/2022 Ford teams with Rice University researchers to recycle plastic from old vehicles Auto Remarketing
27/5/2022 Ford and Rice U. turning plastic from end-of-life F-150 trucks into high-value graphene for new vehicles Graphene-Info
26/5/2022 Ford could recycle 25 percent of its plastic bulk with a new ‘flash heat’ method Interesting Engineering
16/11/2021 Researchers have come up with a new way to quickly turn plastic waste into graphene Wonderful Engineering
12/11/2021 Flash graphene: Born again plastic is planet-friendly Mind Matters
14/1/2021 Houston chemist earns $12M grant to support innovative soil pollutant removal process Informed Infrastructure
31/10/2020 Rice University scientists modify ‘flash graphene’ technique with a special focus on plastic Graphene-Info
30/10/2020 Flash graphene rocks strategy for plastic waste Science Daily
12/5/2016 Scientists develop innovative technique to transform plastic waste into powerful clean fuel: ‘[It] could be produced for free’ The Cool Down
17/4/2015 Recycling research finds new process to transform glass fiber-reinforced plastic into silicon carbide Phys.org

Electronics

Battery Technology

Dr. Tour and his team of investigators have significantly advanced battery technology. His research encompasses several key areas:

  1. Thin-Film Batteries for Portable and Wearable Electronics: Tour’s team developed flexible thin-film energy storage devices suitable for portable and wearable electronics. These devices combine the high energy density of batteries with the rapid charge-discharge capabilities of supercapacitors, offering a scalable and flexible solution for modern electronic devices.
  2. Innovative Battery Recycling Methods: Addressing environmental concerns, Dr. Tour’s group pioneered a method to recycle lithium-ion batteries efficiently. Utilizing flash Joule heating, they achieved a 98% recovery rate of battery metals, preserving the materials’ structure and functionality for reuse. This advancement is crucial for sustainable battery production across various industries.
  3. Enhancing Battery Longevity and Safety: The team introduced a technique to improve lithium metal anodes by brushing metal powders onto their surfaces. This method prevents the formation of dendrites, which can cause short circuits, thereby enhancing the safety and lifespan of batteries used in multiple applications.

Dr. Tour’s work contributes to developing more efficient, durable, and environmentally friendly batteries through these innovations.

Flash-recycled anode particles as seen with a scanning electron microscope. The particles are recovered from lithium-ion batteries and treated through Rice's flash Joule heating process. Courtesy of the Tour Group

Rice flashes new life into lithium-ion anodes

Fast ‘green’ process revives essential battery components for reuse

Date Article Publication
4/12/2023 Simple Solution To Prolong Lithium Metal Battery Life New Energy and Fuel
12/12/2022 Flashing new life into lithium-ion anodes Tech Xplore
12/12/2022 Rice flashes new life into lithium-ion anodes Rice University News and Media Relations
23/8/2022 An Innovative Technique to Provide Longer Life to Lithium Anodes AZO Materials
22/3/2021 Future batteries, coming soon: Charge in seconds, last months and power over the air Pocket Lint
23/9/2020 Electrothermal mineralization process offers more environmentally friendly, cost-effective method for soil remediation Phys.org
16/7/2020 Lithium battery life tripled by lasers and sticky tape-Design Products & Applications Design Products & Applications
14/7/2020 Lasers and sticky tape triple lithium metal battery life Futurity
25/2/2019 Red phosphorous layer prevents battery fires Idea Connection
19/2/2019 Red phosphorus barrier makes batteries safer? Futurity
13/11/2018 Power/Performance Bits: Nov. 13 Semiconductor Engineering
14/2/2019 Better red than dread: Barrier keeps batteries safe Phys.org
5/11/2018 Nanotubes could lead to faster lithium batteries that last Futurity
29/10/2018 Innovations are rocking the battery industry Oil Price
26/10/2018 Rice team shows that thin nanotube films stop dendrite growth from Li metal anodes Green Car Congress
26/10/2018 Nanotubes may give the world better batteries IEN
25/10/2018 Nanotubes may give the world better batteries Rice University News and Media Relations
28/6/2018 Innovative architecture sets the standard for scaling up ‘supercapacitive’ energy storage devices Science Trends
5/11/2018 Nanotube film drowns out battery-killing lithium tentacles New Atlas
3/10/2017 The batteries made from asphalt that could charge your phone in just 5 minutes Daily Mail
2/10/2017 Asphalt helps lithium batteries charge faster Futurity
2/10/2017 Asphalt helps lithium batteries charge faster Rice University News and Media Relations
15/2/2017 Rebar graphene for lithium ion capacitors New Electronics
7/12/2015 Laser-Induced Graphene Might Make The Battery Obsolete Tech Times
24/8/2015 Rice University Researchers Embed Metallic Nanoparticles into Laser-Induced Graphene AZO Nano
3/2/2015 Better Batteries Might Hold Enough To Power Your Neighborhood Houston Public Media
24/6/2013 Graphene Nanotubes: The Latest Advancement in Li-ion Batteries Design News
19/6/2013 Graphene nanoribbons could double Li-ion battery capacity New Electronics

Battery Technology – EVs

Dr. Tour’s work with battery technology has two key contributions to the development of the E.V.s:

  1. Advanced Battery Recycling Techniques: Tour’s team developed a solvent-free flash Joule heating method to recycle lithium-ion batteries efficiently. This process rapidly heats battery waste to 2,500 Kelvin, creating magnetic properties that facilitate the separation and purification of valuable materials. Notably, the technique achieves a 98% recovery rate of battery metals, preserving their structure and functionality for reuse. This advancement supports sustainable E.V. battery production by reducing reliance on raw material extraction and minimizing environmental impact.
  2. Enhancing Battery Longevity and Safety: The team introduced a method to improve lithium metal anodes by applying metal powders onto their surfaces. This approach prevents the formation of dendrites, which can cause short circuits, thereby enhancing the safety and lifespan of batteries used in E.V.s.

Through these innovations, Dr. Tour’s work contributes to the development of more efficient, durable, and environmentally friendly batteries, directly impacting the advancement and sustainability of electric vehicles.

Edible Electronics

Dr. Tour and his team of investigators have pioneered the development of edible electronics through work with laser-induced graphene (LIG). This innovative technique involves using a laser to convert the surface carbon of various materials into graphene, a highly conductive form of carbon. Remarkably, this process can be applied to food items such as toast, potatoes, and coconut shells, enabling the creation of conductive graphene patterns directly on these edible substrates.

The potential applications of this technology are diverse and impactful:

  • Food Safety Sensors: Embedding graphene-based sensors into food could allow for real-time detection of contaminants like E. coli, providing immediate warnings to consumers.
  • Supply Chain Tracking: Graphene patterns can function as radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, offering detailed information about a food item’s origin, storage history, and transportation path, enhancing traceability from farm to table.
  • Wearable Electronics: Beyond food, this technique has been applied to materials like cloth and paper, suggesting possibilities for flexible, wearable electronics that are both functional and safe for human contact.

Dr. Tour’s advancements in laser-induced graphene open new avenues for integrating electronics into everyday materials, including those we consume, with significant implications for food safety, supply chain transparency, and wearable technology.

Flexible Electronics

Dr. Tour and his team of investigators have made significant contributions to the field of flexible electronics through innovative research on laser-induced graphene (LIG). This technique involves using a laser to convert the surface of carbon-containing materials into porous graphene, a highly conductive and flexible form of carbon. The LIG process is versatile, allowing for the creation of graphene patterns on various substrates, including polymers, cloth, and even food items. This adaptability opens numerous applications in flexible electronics, such as wearable devices, sensors, and energy storage systems. Notably, LIG-based supercapacitors have been developed, demonstrating high energy storage capacity and mechanical flexibility, making them suitable for integration into portable and wearable electronic devices.

[See also: Rivet Graphene]

Yu Zhu, a postdoctoral researcher at Rice University, holds a sample of a transparent electrode that merges graphene and a fine aluminum grid. It could become a key component of flexible displays, solar cells and LED lighting. Gathered around Zhu are, from left, graduate students Zhengzong Sun and Zheng Yan and Professor James Tour.

Dream screens from graphene
Technology developed at Rice could revolutionize touch-screen displays

Memory Technology

Dr. Tour’s contributions to memory technology have been particularly impactful in the development of resistive random-access memory (RRAM) devices. His research focuses on utilizing silicon oxide (SiO₂) as an active component in memory devices, a material traditionally considered only an insulator.

Silicon Oxide-Based RRAM: Dr. Tour’s team discovered that applying a voltage to silicon oxide can create conductive filaments within the material, enabling it to function as a memory storage medium. This breakthrough led to the development of non-volatile RRAM devices that are faster and more energy-efficient than traditional flash memory. Using silicon oxide offers advantages such as compatibility with existing semiconductor fabrication processes and the potential for high-density storage. Weebit Nano, a company specializing in next-generation memory solutions, has licensed this technology.

Graphene-Based Memory Devices: In addition to silicon oxide, Dr. Tour’s research includes the integration of graphene into memory devices. His team developed a memory technology combining graphene with tantalum oxide, resulting in devices with high on/off ratios and low power consumption. These graphene-based memory devices demonstrate potential for high-density storage applications and improved performance over existing technologies.

Dr. Tour’s innovative work in memory technology continues to influence the development of faster, more efficient, and higher-capacity memory devices, contributing to computing and data storage advancements.

A layered structure of tantalum oxide, multilayer graphene and platinum is the basis for a new type of memory developed at Rice University. The memory device seen in this electron microscope image overcomes crosstalk problems that cause read errors in other devices. Courtesy of the Tour Group

Tantalizing discovery may boost memory technology

Rice University scientists make tantalum oxide practical for high-density devices

Date Article Publication
23/5/2024 4DS plots ReRAM roadmap EE Times
3/5/2019 Artist uses Rice lab’s laser-induced graphene to electrify his artwork Technology Review
16/8/2016 RRAM THAT CAN DO THE TWIST PC Perspective
9/8/2016 Weebit to collaborate with Global tech powerhouse to commercialize revolutionary computer memory Business News
21/3/2016 Rice news release: Cobalt atoms on graphene a powerful combo: Rice University catalyst holds promise for clean, inexpensive hydrogen production IT Wire
17/8/2015 Tantalizing discovery may boost memory technology ABC 13
15/8/2015 Tantalizing discovery may boost memory technology Houston Chronicle
14/8/2015 Rice University James Tour creates graphene tantalum non-volatile computer memory that could scale to 20 gigabytes per chip Next Big Future
14/8/2015 Discovery may boost memory technology Space Daily
13/8/2015 RRAM Breaks Records with Graphene EE Times
12/8/2015 Tantalum Shows Promise for High-Density Storage The Epoch Times
12/8/2015 Rice U. discovery may boost memory technology ChemEurope
12/8/2015 Durable high-storage memory chips in the offing Giz Bot
12/8/2015 New, Durable High-Density Storage Developed Gadgets 360
11/8/2015 Solid-State Memory Technology Allows High-Density Data Storage with Minimum Incidence of Computer Errors AZO Materials
11/8/2015 New memory materials could boost storage density The Engineer
10/8/2015 Tantalizing discovery may boost memory technology: Rice University scientists make tantalum oxide practical for high-density devices Nanotechnology Now
10/8/2015 Rice U. discovery may boost memory technology EurekAlert
10/8/2015 Boosting solid-state memory technology Science Daily
10/8/2015 Tantalizing discovery may boost memory technology Rice University News and Media Relations
29/7/2014 Resistance is not futile: Here’s a cookie sheet of luke-warm RRAM that proves it The Register
27/7/2014 Hydrogen could cut 20% of emissions, but government must act Environment Journal
25/7/2014 New, super dense memory chips may arrive soon MYCE Wiki
15/7/2014 Nanoporous Silicon Oxide Is Back in the Race for Resistive Memory IEEE Spectrum
14/7/2014 Researchers led by Rice’s James Tour develop more environmentally friendly and cost-effective method for soil remediation Overclockers Club
14/7/2014 Rice Employs Nanoporous Silicon-Oxide Material in New RRAM Memory Devices AZO Nano
10/7/2014 Rice’s silicon oxide memories catch manufacturers’ eye Phys.org
10/7/2014 Rice’s silicon oxide memories catch manufacturers’ eye Rice University News and Media Relations
11/7/2013 Decontamination method zaps pollutants from soil AZO Nano
27/3/2012 Transparent memory chips are coming Rice University News and Media Relations

Precious Metals from e-Waste

Dr. Tour and his team have developed innovative methods to extract precious metals from electronic waste (e-waste) through a process known as flash Joule heating. This technique involves rapidly heating pulverized e-waste to extremely high temperatures, vaporizing metals such as gold, silver, palladium, and rhodium. The metal vapors are then condensed and collected for reuse. This method is energy-efficient, consuming significantly less energy than traditional smelting processes, and effectively removes toxic heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury from the waste material. By enabling the recovery of valuable metals and reducing environmental hazards, Dr. Tour’s work contributes to sustainable recycling practices and the concept of urban mining.

A research team at Rice led by James Tour is tackling the environmental issue of efficiently recycling lithium ion batteries amid their increasing use. Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University.
Date Article Publication
2/12/2024 MTM Critical Metals and Indium Corp partner to bolster US strategic minerals supply chain Small Caps
1/12/2024 MTM Critical Metals boosts innovation in metal recovery MSN Money
10/10/2024 Metalli preziosi dai RAEE: Nuovo studio della Rice University Ecquologia
4/10/2024 Scientists make incredible breakthrough to address ‘critical’ metal shortages: ‘A pivotal advancement’ Yahoo! Tech
2/10/2024 Researchers develop a more sustainable method of recycling metal from e-waste EcoWatch
1/10/2024 Streamlining the recycling process for critical metals may ease shortages and environmental burdens Securities.io
21/9/2024 Efficient recovery of gold from e-waste with flash Joule heating (FJH) AZO CleanTech
10/9/2024 Scientists make major discovery while working with scrap EV batteries: ‘The need for developing sustainable recycling methods is pressing’ MSN News
3/9/2024 Scientists achieve 98% recycling of battery materials with this innovative process Techno-Science
24/8/2024 How to efficiently recycle Li-ion batteries Tech Briefs
30/7/2024 Researchers develop innovative battery recycling method ChemEurope
25/7/2024 Houston land bank granted $5.5M to clean up contaminated Second Ward site MSN Money
24/7/2024 Nondestructive flash cathode recycling method uses magnetic properties for battery recycling MSN News
24/7/2024 Dual-surface graphene electrode splits water into hydrogen and oxygen Rice University News and Media Relations
15/7/2024 It will soon be easier for Americans to recycle batteries Wired
11/7/2024 Flash Joule heating shows potential to revolutionize lithium extraction from ore Skillings
14/6/2024 Critical minerals in a flash Mining Magazine
13/12/2023 E-waste could become a ‘gold mine’ for rare-earth elements Scientific American
11/8/2023 Flash heating technique extracts valuable metals from battery waste quickly and cheaply Physics World
29/9/2023 This new method can recycle 98% of metals from batteries in just 20 minutes Wonderful Engineering
27/9/2023 It’s easier to get valuable metals from battery waste if you ‘flash’ it Rice University News and Media Relations
16/1/2023 Battery anodes recycled in a flash C&EN
28/12/2022 How to give new life to lithium-ion anodes Mining.com
16/12/2022 Green graphene: Recycling spent lithium-ion batteries to recover valuable metal resources AZO CleanTech
12/12/2022 Flashing new life into lithium-ion anodes Tech Xplore
12/12/2022 Rice flashes new life into lithium-ion anodes Rice University News and Media Relations
16/11/2022 Lab develops dual-surface graphene electrode to split water into hydrogen and oxygen Nature
23/8/2022 An innovative technique to provide longer life to lithium anodes AZO Materials
15/3/2022 Eco-Friendly Method for the Recovery of Valuable Rare-Earth Metals AZO Mining
9/5/2022 Heat turns waste into viable source of rare earths — study PoloticoPro
17/2/2022 Rare earth elements are waiting to be discovered in waste Earth.com
15/2/2022 Biden looks to extract critical minerals from coal waste, to aid clean energy goals Houston Chronicle
10/2/2022 Recovering rare earth metals from waste AZO Mining
9/2/2022 Rare earth elements for smartphones can be extracted from coal waste New Scientist
9/2/2022 An electric jolt salvages valuable metals from waste Science
23/11/2021 Waste plastic can be recycled into hydrogen fuel and graphene New Scientist
3/11/2021 Turning trash into treasure: A new tech bringing urban mining closer to fruition Plato AI
18/10/2021 Flash method may allow quick recovery of precious metals from e-waste Mining.com
15/10/2021 Urban mining for metals turns electronic trash into treasure Control Engineering
5/10/2021 Novel process affordably turns waste plastic into ‘green’ hydrogen The Engineer
5/10/2021 Technological leap for ‘urban mining’ could recover precious metals from electronic waste in seconds Yahoo! News
5/10/2021 Flash’ method could get precious metals from e-waste Futurity
4/10/2021 Rice researchers hope to turn trash into earth elements — in less than a second Houston Chronicle
4/10/2021 According to a study, flash Joule heating could produce gold and silver from electronic waste Rice University News and Media Relations
23/6/2021 Making hydrogen from waste plastic could pay for itself ASM International
17/2/2019 Researchers develop dual-surface graphene electrode to split water into hydrogen, oxygen Innovation
17/10/2018 13 amazing battery innovations that could change the world Interesting Engineering

Silicon Substitute

Dr. James Tour, a distinguished chemist at Rice University, has extensively researched alternatives to traditional silicon-based materials, focusing on carbon-based nanomaterials like graphene and graphene nanoribbons (GNRs). These materials exhibit exceptional electrical properties, making them promising candidates for next-generation electronic devices.

Graphene and Graphene Nanoribbons: Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, offers remarkable electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. Dr. Tour’s research has advanced methods to produce graphene and GNRs, which are narrow strips of graphene with tunable electronic properties. These materials have potential applications in nanoelectronics, potentially serving as alternatives to silicon in certain contexts.

Silicon Oxide Electronics: Besides carbon-based materials, Dr. Tour and his team have explored silicon oxide (SiO₂) in electronic applications. Traditionally considered an insulator, his research demonstrated that silicon oxide can exhibit conductive properties under specific conditions, enabling its use in resistive random-access memory (RRAM) devices. This work suggests that silicon oxide could be an alternative to traditional silicon in specific electronic components.

Through these innovative approaches, Dr. Tour’s work contributes to developing materials that could complement or, in specific applications, substitute traditional silicon-based electronics.

Cheap Substitute For Silicon Grows From Carbon Nanotube “Seeds”

For those of you new to the topic, carbon nanotubes are cylinders of carbon atoms no more than one nanometer (one billionth of a meter) thick. As low cost, highly efficient semiconductors they have endless potential applications.

Date Article Publication
8/28/2013 Cheap substitute for silicon grows from carbon nanotube ‘seeds’ Clean Technica

Supercapacitors

Dr. Tour and his team of investigators have significantly advanced supercapacitor technology by developing laser-induced graphene (LIG). This innovative technique involves using a laser to convert the surface of carbon-containing materials, such as polyimide films, into porous graphene. The resulting LIG exhibits high electrical conductivity and a large surface area, making it an ideal material for supercapacitor electrodes. By stacking multiple layers of LIG with solid electrolytes, Dr. Tour’s team has created flexible, three-dimensional supercapacitors that demonstrate excellent energy storage capacity and mechanical stability. These devices maintain performance even after extensive bending cycles, highlighting their potential for integration into portable and wearable electronics. Additionally, the LIG supercapacitors offer power densities surpassing those of traditional batteries, enabling rapid charge and discharge cycles. Dr. Tour’s work in this area contributes to developing efficient, durable, and scalable energy storage solutions.

Scientists see the light on microsupercapacitors
Rice University’s laser-induced graphene makes simple, powerful energy storage possible

Wood to Graphene

Dr. James Tour and his team at Rice University have developed a method to produce laser-induced graphene (LIG) from wood, expanding the versatility of graphene production. This process involves directing a laser onto the surface of wood, such as pine, to convert its surface into a porous graphene foam. The laser’s heat transforms the wood’s lignocellulose structure into graphene without additional chemicals or high-temperature furnaces. The resulting LIG retains the mechanical strength of the wood while gaining electrical conductivity, making it suitable for applications like energy storage devices, sensors, and water purification systems. This technique offers a sustainable and cost-effective approach to graphene production, utilizing abundant natural resources.

This Rice University athletics logo is made of laser-induced graphene on a block of pine. Rice scientists used an industrial laser to heat the wood and turned its surface into highly conductive graphene. The material could be used for biodegradable electronics. Courtesy of the Tour Group

Need graphene? Grab a saw
Rice University chemists make laser-induced graphene from wood

Date Article Publication
20/7/2022 Creating wood electronics via laser-induced graphitization Electropages Blog
28/8/2017 Laser-induced graphene is made from wood Photonics
2/8/2017 Chemists make laser-induced graphene from wood Design World Online
2/8/2017 Graphene made out of wood could help solve the e-waste problem Digital Trends
2/8/2017 Scientists create graphene using lasers and wood Tech Spot
1/8/2017 Transitioning waste into hydrogen energy Energy News
1/8/2017 Laser technique turns wood into graphene The Engineer
1/8/2017 Pine block transformed into electronic components with laser treatment E+T Engineering & Technology
1/8/2017 Researchers Create Laser-Induced Graphene from Pine Wood AZO Nano
1/8/2017 Laser-Induced Graphene from Wood for Biodegradable Electronics Novus Light
1/8/2017 Rice University team makes laser-induced graphene from wood Graphene-info
31/7/2017 Chemists make laser-induced graphene from wood Phys.org
31/7/2017 Flash joule heating technique turns plastic waste into clean hydrogen Hydrogen Fuel News
31/7/2017 Using waste plastic to simultaneously make graphene and hydrogen Chemical Engineering
31/7/2017 Need graphene? Grab a saw OPLI
31/7/2017 Turning pine into graphene lets it carry electricity Futurity
31/7/2017 Rice University chemists make conductive laser-induced graphene from wood Laser Focus World
31/7/2017 Rice University chemists make laser-induced graphene from wood US National Science Foundation
31/7/2017 Need graphene? Grab a saw Rice University News and Media Relations
31/7/2017 Chemists make laser-induced graphene from wood Science Daily
17/11/2015 Is this the future of electricity? Oil Price

Energy & the Environment

Air Filters

Dr. James Tour and his team at Rice University have developed an innovative air filtration system utilizing Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG). This self-sterilizing filter captures airborne pathogens—including bacteria, fungi, spores, and viruses—and eliminates them through periodic heating. The LIG filter achieves temperatures up to 350°C (662°F) with minimal power consumption, effectively destroying pathogens and their toxic byproducts. This technology holds significant promise for applications in environments such as hospitals, where controlling airborne infections is critical.

Scientists develop tech to filter Covid particles from air

Technology that destroys organic particles such as viruses and bacteria at micron and sub-micron level being commercialized for use in air filters.

 

Carbon Capture

Dr. Tour and his team have developed innovative methods for producing graphene that have potential applications in carbon capture. One notable technique is Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG), which involves converting the surface of carbon-containing materials into porous graphene using a laser. This method is scalable and can be applied to various substrates, including polymers, wood, and cloth.

The porous nature of LIG makes it suitable for applications like gas separation and filtration, which are essential components of carbon capture technologies. Additionally, Dr. Tour’s research includes the development of graphene-based materials for energy storage and environmental remediation, further contributing to efforts in reducing carbon emissions.

While Dr. Tour’s work has laid the groundwork for using graphene in carbon capture, ongoing research is focused on optimizing these materials for large-scale implementation in carbon capture systems.

Treated plastic waste good at grabbing carbon dioxide

Rice University Lab turns hard-to-process trash into carbon-capture master

Date Article Publication
10/7/2024 Carbon capture in plastics manufacturing Plastics Engineering
22/4/2024 The upside of Earth Day: Good news you might not have heard about climate change action Bob Vila
7/1/2023 3 Carbon Capture Technologies We Must Scale Up to Meet Net Zero Earth
11/5/2022 Capturing Carbon Dioxide With Plastic | Earth Wise Earthwise 
20/4/2022 Treated plastic waste good at grabbing carbon dioxide Renewable Carbon News
14/4/2022 New A simple chemical twist turns plastic waste into a carbon-soaking spongeTechnology Captures Carbon Dioxide Anthropocene
13/4/2022 Researchers find way for plastic waste to soak up CO2 World Economic Forum
8/4/2022 Fan Plastic! How Plastic Waste Could Be Used To Grab CO2 Inkl
7/4/2022 Plastic that is hard to decompose can now capture carbon dioxide from atmosphere India Times
6/4/2022 Heating trick gets plastic waste to suck up CO2 Futurity
5/4/2022 Treated plastic waste good at grabbing carbon dioxide Rice University News and Media Relations
16/2/2022 Clean energy programs offer $14B opportunity for innovators Houston Chronicle
10/2/2020 This ultrastrong nanomaterial could cut carbon emissions — and it’s made out of garbage Grist
11/12/2017 To improve CO2 filter for gas wells, just add water Futurity
11/12/2017 Just add water for carbon capture Rice University News and Media Relations
28/11/2016 New Asphalt Technology Captures Carbon Dioxide For Construction Pros
17/9/2016 Will asphalt provide a breakthrough in carbon capture? Houston Chronicle
14/9/2016 The upsidAsphalt-based Carbon-capture Material Advancese of Earth Day: Good news you might not have heard about climate change action Design World
12/9/2016 Asphalt-based carbon-capture material advances Rice University News and Media Relations
1/6/2016 Vladimir Putin’s global warming fix: Carbon nanotubes Climate Home News
12/1/2015 Cheap asphalt to trap carbon dioxide created Business Standard
9/1/2015 Special Compound Imprisons Huge Quantities of CO2 China Topix
17/1/2015 Scientists Create New Cheap Asphalt Material that Can Capture and Store Carbon Science World Report

Filter Radioactive Waste

Dr. James Tour and his team at Rice University have developed a method using graphene oxide to remove radioactive materials from contaminated water effectively. Graphene oxide, a graphene derivative, has a high surface area and strong affinity for certain radioactive isotopes, enabling it to adsorb these contaminants efficiently. This approach offers a promising solution for cleaning up radioactive waste, providing a more efficient and potentially cost-effective method than traditional techniques.

Doped carbon could treat water from Fukushima

US and Russian scientists have discovered a new way to remove radioactivity from water, which could be used to treat contaminated water at Japan’s Fukushima nuclear plant.

Fuel Cells

Dr. James Tour, a professor at Rice University, has made significant contributions to fuel cell technology through his research on graphene-based materials. His work focuses on developing cost-effective and efficient catalysts to replace expensive platinum-based catalysts traditionally used in fuel cells.

In 2014, Dr. Tour’s lab created graphene quantum dots (GQDs) from coal and combined them with graphene oxide sheets to form a hybrid material. This composite, doped with nitrogen and boron, exhibited superior performance in oxygen reduction reactions compared to commercial platinum/carbon catalysts. The material demonstrated a more positive onset potential and a 70% larger current density, indicating enhanced catalytic activity.

Further advancing this research, in 2017, Dr. Tour’s team developed a catalyst by attaching single ruthenium atoms to nitrogen-doped graphene. This catalyst matched the performance of traditional platinum-based catalysts in acidic media and showed excellent tolerance against methanol crossover and carbon monoxide poisoning, which are common issues in fuel cells.

These innovations by Dr. Tour’s group contribute to developing more affordable and efficient fuel cells, potentially accelerating the adoption of clean energy technologies.

A two-sided electrocatalyst developed at Rice University splits water into hydrogen on one side and oxygen on the other. The hydrogen side seen in electron microscope images features platinum particles (the dark dots at right) evenly dispersed in laser-induced graphene (left). (Image: Tour Group/Rice University)

Two Sides To This Energy Story

A two-sided electrocatalyst developed at Rice University splits water into hydrogen on one side and oxygen on the other. The hydrogen side seen in electron microscope images features platinum particles (the dark dots at right) evenly dispersed in laser-induced graphene (left). (Image: Tour Group/Rice University)

Hydrogen Production

Dr. Tour and his team of investigators have pioneered a method to produce hydrogen from waste plastics using flash Joule heating. This technique involves rapidly heating plastic waste to approximately 3,100 Kelvin (about 5,120°F) for a few seconds, which vaporizes the hydrogen content and leaves behind graphene—a valuable carbon-based material. The process addresses plastic waste management and generates hydrogen gas with a purity of up to 94%. The graphene byproduct can be sold to offset production costs, potentially making hydrogen production economically viable. This method offers a low-emission alternative to traditional hydrogen production techniques, such as steam-methane reforming, which is carbon-intensive.

Date Article Publication
4/9/2024 Plastic to power: Transforming trash into world-changing hydrogen Hydrogen Fuel News
30/8/2024 Transitioning waste into hydrogen energy Energy News
30/5/2024 Scientists develop innovative technique to transform plastic waste into powerful clean fuel: ‘[It] could be produced for free’ MSN
24/5/2024 Hydrogen could cut 20% of emissions, but government must act Environment Journal
15/4/2024 Scientists develop innovative technique to transform plastic waste into powerful clean fuel: ‘[It] could be produced for free’ The Cool Down
15/4/2024 How plastic pollution is harming J&K’s environment Greater Kashmir
17/1/2024 Waste plastic processing yields no-cost hydrogen GlobalSpec
4/12/2023 Production of hydrogen and graphene from waste plastic Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers
1/12/2023 Zapping plastic waste can produce clean fuel Scientific American
6/11/2023 Flash joule heating technique turns plastic waste into clean hydrogen Hydrogen Fuel News
1/11/2023 Using waste plastic to simultaneously make graphene and hydrogen Chemical Engineering
26/10/2023 Plastic waste becomes clean hydrogen goldmine Oil Price
16/10/2023 Researchers harvest hydrogen from plastic waste  E+E Leader
6/10/2023 Rice team uses flash Joule heating to produce high-yield hydrogen and high-quality graphene from waste plastic; hydrogen at zero net cost Green Car Congress
5/10/2023 Scientists convert waste plastic into hydrogen and graphene Sustainable Plastics
2/10/2023 A shocking way to produce hydrogen from plastic waste C&EN
2/10/2023 Rice research project converts plastic waste into hydrogen, graphene by-product Materials Performance
29/9/2023 Waste plastic can be recycled into hydrogen fuel and graphene New Scientist
18/9/2023 Novel process affordably turns waste plastic into ‘green’ hydrogen Plastics Engineering
14/9/2023 Making hydrogen from waste plastic could pay for itself Science Daily
29/3/2022 Urban mining: Turning urban waste into valuable products Mind Matters
23/2/2022 Plastic trash can now be recycled into ultrastrong graphene Salon
9/2/2022 ‘Defective’ carbon simplifies hydrogen peroxide production Phys.org
8/8/2018 Scientists develop strong and flexible graphene material AZO Nano
7/8/2017 Rice develops dual-surface graphene electrode to split water into hydrogen and oxygen Energy Daily
6/8/2017 Researchers develop dual-surface graphene electrode to split water into hydrogen, oxygen Xinhuanet
5/8/2017 Is this the future of electricity? Oil Price
4/8/2017 Lab develops dual-surface graphene electrode to split water into hydrogen and oxygen Phys.org
3/8/2017 Dual-surface graphene electrode splits water into hydrogen and oxygen Science Daily
13/6/2016 Rice develops dual-surface graphene electrode to split water into hydrogen and oxygen Next Big Future
22/10/2015 Rice news release: Cobalt atoms on graphene a powerful combo: Rice University catalyst holds promise for clean, inexpensive hydrogen production Nanotechnology Now
21/10/2015 Cobalt atoms on graphene a powerful combo Rice University News and Media Relations
21/10/2015 Cobalt atoms on graphene a powerful combo Phys.org
18/8/2015 Water into hydrogen and oxygen AZO Nano

Oil Production

Dr. James Tour’s research at Rice University has led to several innovations that enhance oil production and address environmental challenges associated with the industry.

Graphene-Based Drilling Fluids: Dr. Tour’s team developed functionalized graphene oxide additives for drilling fluids, known as muds. These additives form thinner, more robust filter cakes during drilling, reducing the risk of clogging oil-producing pores and improving well efficiency. The graphene-enhanced muds also contain fewer suspended solids, making them more environmentally friendly.

Asphaltene Conversion to Graphene: In collaboration with researchers, Dr. Tour’s lab converted asphaltenes—a byproduct of crude oil production—into graphene. This process not only adds value to a waste material but also produces graphene suitable for reinforcing composites, potentially benefiting various industries, including oil and gas.

Carbon Nanoreporters for Oil Exploration: Dr. Tour’s research includes the development of carbon nanoreporters, which are used to identify oil downhole. These nanomaterials can provide valuable information about the presence and characteristics of oil reservoirs, aiding in more efficient exploration and production.

Through these advancements, Dr. Tour’s work contributes to more efficient oil extraction processes and offers environmentally conscious solutions within the petroleum industry.

Hydrophilic (water soluble) carbon clusters are being designed by Rice researchers to sense the presence of oil that remains in old wells. The HCCs are sheets of carbon one atom thick and 60 nanometers long, with embedded molecules that will detect oil, sulfur and water and store information about how much of each they encounter along their path.

Hellooo down there!
Rice labs hope tiny clusters will find new oil in old wells

Hydrophilic (water soluble) carbon clusters are being designed by Rice researchers to sense the presence of oil that remains in old wells. The HCCs are sheets of carbon one atom thick and 60 nanometers long, with embedded molecules that will detect oil, sulfur and water and store information about how much of each they encounter along their path.

Date Article Publication
19/12/2013 Research Overview: Graphene for Oil Exploration Rice University News and Media Relations
17/12/2013 Graphene improves oil exploration Nanowerk
2/8/2009 Rice labs hope tiny clusters will find new oil in old wells Science World Report

Soil Remediation

Dr. Tour and his team of investigators have developed innovative methods for soil remediation, focusing on the rapid and efficient removal of various pollutants.

High-Temperature Electrothermal (HET) Process: Dr. Tour’s team introduced a technique that involves mixing contaminated soil with carbon-rich compounds like biochar. By applying short bursts of electricity, the soil is rapidly heated to temperatures between 1,000°C and 3,000°C. This process effectively removes organic pollutants and heavy metals without compromising soil fertility. Remarkably, the treated soil showed improved germination rates, indicating enhanced fertility.

Rapid Electrothermal Mineralization (REM) Process: In addressing persistent pollutants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), Dr. Tour’s research led to the development of the REM process. This method rapidly heats PFAS-contaminated soil to over 1,000°C using electrical inserts and biochar. The intense heat converts PFAS into nontoxic calcium fluoride, achieving removal efficiencies exceeding 99%. Importantly, this technique preserves essential soil properties and enhances soil health.

These advancements offer environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions for soil remediation. They address both organic and inorganic contaminants while maintaining or even improving soil quality.

The research effort, led by Rice chemist James Tour, has been bolstered by a new four-year, $12 million cooperative agreement with the ERDC. Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University.

New $12M research project aims to provide ‘practical solutions to critical environmental challenges’

Rice and Army Research Center tackle PFAS pollution with innovative techniques

Date Article Publication
2/8/2024 Houston chemist earns $12M grant to support innovative soil pollutant removal process Innovation Map
25/7/2024 New $12 million research project aims to provide ‘practical solutions to critical environmental challenges’ ScienMag
25/7/2024 New $12M research project aims to provide ‘practical solutions to critical environmental challenges’ Rice University News and Media Relations
23/7/2024 Researchers led by Rice’s James Tour develop more environmentally friendly and cost-effective method for soil remediation BioEngineer.org
23/7/2024 Electrothermal mineralization process offers more environmentally friendly, cost-effective method for soil remediation Phys.org
30/5/2024 Scientists develop innovative technique to transform plastic waste into powerful clean fuel: ‘[It] could be produced for free’ MSN
17/2/2024 Scientists develop technology to ‘zap’ pollutants out of soil rapidly: ‘An incredibly promising technique’ The Cool Down
19/10/2023 HET tech shocks soil on location to remove pollutants New Atlas
17/10/2023 Decontamination method zaps pollutants from soil Phys.org
17/10/2023 Decontamination method zaps pollutants from soil Rice University News and Media Relations
17/10/2023 Researchers led by Rice’s James Tour develop more environmentally friendly and cost-effective method for soil remediation Rice University News and Media Relations
3/11/2016 Researchers led by Rice’s James Tour develop more environmentally friendly and cost-effective method for soil remediation Rice University News and Media Relations

Wellbore Stability

Dr. James Tour’s research at Rice University has led to significant advancements in enhancing wellbore stability during drilling operations. His team has developed graphene-based additives for drilling fluids, commonly known as muds, which are crucial in maintaining wellbore integrity.

Graphene Oxide Additives in Drilling Fluids:

Incorporating functionalized graphene oxide into drilling fluids results in thinner and more robust filter cakes on the wellbore walls. This improvement reduces the risk of clogging oil-producing pores and enhances the overall efficiency of drilling operations. Additionally, these graphene-enhanced muds contain fewer suspended solids, making them more environmentally friendly. The enhanced filter cake quality improves wellbore stability by preventing fluid loss and minimizing formation damage.

By integrating graphene-based materials into drilling practices, Dr. Tour’s work offers a promising approach to improving wellbore stability, leading to safer and more efficient drilling operations in the oil and gas industry.

Microwaved nanoribbons bolster oil and gas wells

Microwaved nanoribbons may bolster oil and gas wells
Rice University researchers microwave a composite to toughen wellbore walls 

Graphene Art

Graphene Art

Dr. James Tour’s pioneering work in laser-induced graphene (LIG) has inspired artists to explore innovative art creation methods. LIG involves using a laser to convert carbon-containing materials into porous graphene, a highly conductive form of carbon. This technique has been applied to various substrates, including food items like toast, potatoes, and coconut shells, enabling the creation of conductive graphene patterns directly on these edible surfaces. Artists have utilized this process to craft intricate designs and images, merging culinary arts with technological innovation. The versatility of LIG extends to other materials such as cloth and paper, allowing for the creation of flexible, wearable art pieces that incorporate electronic functionalities. This fusion of art and science opens new avenues for creative expression, blending aesthetics with advanced material science.

The “ink” in “Where Do I Stand?” by artist Joseph Cohen is actually laser-induced graphene (LIG). The design shows Cohen’s impression of what LIG looks like at the microscopic level. The work was produced in the Rice University lab where the technique of creating LIG was invented. (Photo by Jeff Fitlow)

Artist Uses Rice Lab’s Laser-Induced Graphene to Electrify His Artwork

When an article talks about electrifying art, “electrifying” is not typically a verb. But an artist associated with a Rice University lab is really making artwork that can convey a jolt.

Graphene Production

Graphene Production

Graphene, a revolutionary nanomaterial known for its exceptional strength, electrical conductivity, and flexibility, has garnered significant attention across industries. Producing high-quality graphene efficiently and at scale remains a key research and innovation focus.
The current methods of graphene production, such as liquid-phase exfoliation and chemical vapor deposition (CVD), are expensive and energy-intensive. Reduction of graphene oxide (rGO) offers a route to mass production but produces graphene-like materials that are less conductive than pristine graphene.
Dr. James Tour and his team at Rice University have pioneered groundbreaking methods to produce graphene more efficiently and cost-effectively, addressing limitations of traditional approaches like those above. Their research highlights the flash graphene method, which uses a high-temperature, high-energy flash of electricity to convert carbon-based materials—such as coal, food waste, or plastic—into high-quality graphene within milliseconds.
Read the news articles here to learn more about how Dr. Tour and his team of Rice investigators are pioneering methods to apply flash graphene to multiple applications, in ways that enable production at scale and cost-effectiveness without sacrificing versatility.

Researchers Turn Asphaltene into Graphene for Composites

Researchers Turn Asphaltene into Graphene for Composites

“Flashed” byproduct of crude oil could bolster materials, polymer inks

Date Article Publication
21/12/2023 Researchers turn asphaltene into graphene for composites Plastics Today
13/12/2023 Creating graphene from asphaltenes C&EN
26/10/2023 Researchers produce graphene using coal Paint Square
27/3/2023 Turning asphaltene into graphene FrogHeart
14/3/2023 The best sources of graphene AZO Nano
21/2/2023 Carbon nanotubes and other hybrid nanomaterials can be made from plastic waste and yet profitable Nature World News
12/12/2022 Rice University turns asphaltene into graphene for composites Composites World
18/11/2022 Asphaltene changed into graphene for composites Science Daily
27/6/2022 Integrating sustainability into graphene nanomaterial synthesis AZO Nano
13/6/2022 Plastic from old trucks becomes graphene for new cars Futurity
24/2/2022 Army R&D center partners with universities on graphene research Ole Miss
19/1/2022 Large-scale synthesis of graphene and other 2D materials Nanowerk
10/11/2021 Other materials stories that may be of interest The American Ceramics Society
14/2/2020 Graphene forms under microscope’s eye Chem Europe
27/1/2020 Gram-scale bottom-up flash graphene synthesis Nature
15/2/2019 Laser-induced graphene Chem Europe
13/2/2019 Laser-induced graphene gets tough, with help Lab Manager
27/6/2018 Sculpting with graphene foam Advanced Science News
12/9/2013 Simple method for producing graphene quantum dots in bulk quantities from coal Next Big Future
13/8/2013 Not-weak knots bolster carbon fiber Science Daily
22/7/2013 Graphene ‘onion rings’ grown bottom up — atom by atom R&D World
15/7/2013 Researchers create new material with graphene oxide Domain-B

Carbyne

Dr. James Tour, a chemist at Rice University, has researched carbyne, a one-dimensional carbon allotrope consisting of a linear chain of carbon atoms. Carbyne is notable for its exceptional mechanical properties, including a tensile strength surpassing that of graphene and carbon nanotubes. However, its instability under ambient conditions has posed challenges for practical applications.

In 2016, Dr. Tour’s team developed a method to stabilize carbyne by encapsulating it within double-walled carbon nanotubes. This approach protected the carbyne chains from environmental degradation, allowing for their characterization and potential utilization. The successful stabilization of carbyne opens avenues for its integration into nanodevices, where its unique properties could enhance performance.

The relationship between carbyne and graphene lies in their carbon-based structures and exceptional mechanical and electrical properties. While graphene is a two-dimensional sheet of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, carbyne represents the one-dimensional counterpart. Understanding and harnessing carbyne’s properties complement the extensive research on graphene, contributing to the development of advanced materials for various applications, including nanoelectronics and materials science.

Dr. Tour’s work in stabilizing carbyne marks a significant advancement in carbon nanomaterials, opening the potential for future technological innovations.

Date Article Publication
15/8/2013 Supermaterial is stronger than graphene and diamonds Gizmodo

Flash Joule Healing

Flash Joule heating (FJH) is a transformative technique that rapidly converts carbon-containing materials into valuable products like graphene. This method involves passing a high electrical current through a carbon-based precursor, heating it to temperatures exceeding 3,000 degrees Celsius within milliseconds. The extreme conditions facilitate the formation of graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms with exceptional electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Notably, FJH can process diverse feedstocks into graphene, including coal, petroleum coke, and even food waste, offering a scalable and cost-effective approach to graphene production. This innovation holds significant potential for various industries, including electronics, energy storage, and composites, by providing a sustainable method to produce high-quality graphene from abundant and inexpensive sources.

[See also: Graphene from Trash]

Rice University chemists have modified their flash Joule heating process to produce doped graphene with tailored properties for optical and electronic devices. The flash graphene method can turn any source of carbon into valuable 2D materials in milliseconds. (Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University)
Rice University chemists have modified their flash Joule heating process to produce doped graphene with tailored properties for optical and electronic devices. The flash graphene method can turn any source of carbon into valuable 2D materials in milliseconds. (Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University)

Graphene gets enhanced by flashing

Rice process customizes one-, two- or three-element doping for applications

Date Article Publication
15/1/2025 Flash Joule heating for synthesis, upcycling and remediation Nature Reviews Clean Technology
15/10/2024 MTM raises $8 million to progress flash Joule heating demo plant AU Manufacturing
6/5/2024 Flash Joule Heating Shows Potential To Revolutionise Lithium Extraction From Ore AZO Mining
30/12/2022 UCalgary, Rice team uses flash Joule heating to manufacture graphene from petroleum waste Green Car Congress
31/3/2022 Graphene gets enhanced by flashing Science Daily
31/3/2022 Graphene gets enhanced by flashing Rice University News and Media Relations
31/1/2022 Machine learning fine-tunes flash graphene Phys.org
31/1/2022 Machine learning fine-tunes flash graphene Rice University News and Media Relations
7/5/2021 Photoresist puts focus on laser-induced graphene The Engineer
14/1/2021 Rice ‘flashes’ new 2D materials Rice University News and Media Relations
29/1/2020 Educational Flash Graphene Video JMTour.com

Graphene Foam

Graphene foam is a three-dimensional porous structure composed of graphene sheets. Dr. Tour’s innovative methods have created graphene foam with exceptional mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and versatility, distinguishing it from other forms of graphene.

Dr. Tour’s research also includes the development of methods for 3D printing graphene foam structures. By combining powdered nickel with a carbon source like sugar, his team utilized a laser sintering process to create complex, free-standing graphene foam architectures. This approach allows custom-shaped graphene foam components to be fabricated, expanding its potential applications in various fields, including aerospace, electronics, and biomedical engineering.

The distinctiveness of Dr. Tour’s graphene foam lies in its combination of lightweight structure, high surface area, mechanical robustness, and electrical conductivity. These properties are crucial for developing advanced materials for energy storage systems, such as supercapacitors and batteries, and for creating flexible and wearable electronic devices. Additionally, the scalable and cost-effective production methods pioneered by Dr. Tour’s team facilitate the broader adoption of graphene foam in commercial applications, potentially leading to significant advancements in technology and industry.

[See also: Nano “Rebar”]

Description]

Researchers have created an epoxy-graphene foam compound that is tough and conductive without adding significant weight. Courtesy of the Rouzbeh Shahsavari Group
Researchers have created an epoxy-graphene foam compound that is tough and conductive without adding significant weight. Courtesy of the Rouzbeh Shahsavari Group

Epoxy compound gets a graphene bump

Rice University scientists combine graphene foam, epoxy into tough, conductive composite

Graphene from Trash

Graphene foam is a three-dimensional porous structure composed of graphene sheets. Dr. Tour’s innovative methods have created graphene foam with exceptional mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and versatility, distinguishing it from other forms of graphene.

Dr. Tour’s research also includes the development of methods for 3D printing graphene foam structures. By combining powdered nickel with a carbon source like sugar, his team utilized a laser sintering process to create complex, free-standing graphene foam architectures. This approach allows custom-shaped graphene foam components to be fabricated, expanding its potential applications in various fields, including aerospace, electronics, and biomedical engineering.

The distinctiveness of Dr. Tour’s graphene foam lies in its combination of lightweight structure, high surface area, mechanical robustness, and electrical conductivity. These properties are crucial for developing advanced materials for energy storage systems, such as supercapacitors and batteries, and for creating flexible and wearable electronic devices. Additionally, the scalable and cost-effective production methods pioneered by Dr. Tour’s team facilitate the broader adoption of graphene foam in commercial applications, potentially leading to significant advancements in technology and industry.

[See also: Nano “Rebar”]

A $5.2 million Army Corps of Engineers grant will expand Rice efforts to recycle waste into products through flash Joule heating. In an early experiment shown here, carbon black is “flashed” into graphene. Photo by Jeff Fitlow
A $5.2 million Army Corps of Engineers grant will expand Rice efforts to recycle waste into products through flash Joule heating. In an early experiment shown here, carbon black is “flashed” into graphene. Photo by Jeff Fitlow

Corps of Engineers funds bid to ‘flash’ waste into useful materials

Grant to Rice enables expansion of discovery that produced graphene from food, plastic

Date Article Publication
8/8/2024 Flash Graphene: Trash to treasure Graphene Flagship
15/12/2023 Lithium-ion anodes renew graphene from waste Planet Engineering
25/8/2023   ‘We’re turning garbage into graphene’; that’s 200 times stronger than steel, thinner than paper and produced from old tires and coffee grounds Yahoo! Finance
9/7/2023 James Tour on converting waste to graphene Mind Matters
6/1/2023 Crude oil waste converted into graphene Paint Square
15/12/2022 Lithium-ion anodes renews graphene from waste Plant Engineering
10/2/2022 Method gets more rare earth elements out of waste Futurity
30/9/2021 Corps of Engineers funds bid to ‘flash’ waste into useful materials Rice University News and Media Relations
10/11/2020 Rice Lab Turns Trash Into Graphene in a Flash Plastics Today
6/11/2020 Researchers create graphene from recycled plastic Paint Square
5/11/2020 Scientists turn waste into flash graphene Waste 360
30/10/2020 Plastic waste comes back in black as pristine graphene Nanowerk
27/7/2020 Groundbreaking method to make graphene from garbage is modern-day alchemy Forbes
20/3/2020 Converting trash to valuable graphene in a flash Science News Explores
21/2/2020 How scientists accidentally turned trash into valuable graphene CNET
19/2/2020 Rice lab turns waste into valuable graphene in a flash Circular for Resource and Waste Professionals
5/2/2020 Graphene made in a flash from trash IEEE Spectrum
5/2/2020 Electricity turns garbage into graphene Waste Advantage Magazine
31/1/2020 Graphene typically costs $200,000 per ton. Now, scientists can make it from trash. Big Think
31/1/2020 Electricity turns garbage into high-quality graphene Science
30/1/2020 Carbon-based waste transformed into flash graphene thanks to new process Interesting Engineering
29/1/2020 Scientists turn ‘trash to treasure’ by making ultrastrong graphene from coal, plastic and food waste Newsweek
28/1/2020 Team turns banana peels and other trash into ‘flash graphene’ Furturity
28/1/2020 How to turn garbage into graphene Popular Mechanics
27/1/2020 Rice lab turns trash into valuable graphene in a flash Rice University News and Media Relations
27/1/2020 Electricity turns garbage into graphene Science
7/11/2016 Urban mining: Turning urban waste into valuable products Mind Matters
6/9/2011 Graphene From Waste Materials Nature Nanotechnology
4/8/2011 One box of Girl Scout Cookies worth $15 billion Rice University News and Media Relations

Metallic Properties

Dr. James Tour, a synthetic chemist at Rice University, has conducted extensive research on graphene, focusing on its metallic properties and potential applications. Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, exhibits exceptional electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and thermal properties, making it a promising material for various technological advancements.

Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG): One of Dr. Tour’s significant contributions is the development of laser-induced graphene (LIG). This technique involves using a laser to convert the surface of carbon-containing materials, such as polyimide films, into porous graphene. The resulting LIG retains the metallic conductivity of graphene, making it suitable for applications in flexible electronics, sensors, and energy storage devices. The process is rapid, cost-effective, and scalable, enabling graphene production on various substrates without complex procedures.

Graphene Nanoribbons (GNRs): Dr. Tour’s research also includes the synthesis of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) by unzipping carbon nanotubes. GNRs are narrow strips of graphene that can exhibit metallic or semiconducting properties depending on their width and edge structure. This tunability allows for designing materials with specific electronic characteristics, which is crucial for applications in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics.

Flash Joule Heating for Graphene Production: In recent developments, Dr. Tour’s team has employed flash Joule heating to produce graphene from various carbon sources, including waste materials. This method involves subjecting the material to a rapid, high-temperature electrical discharge, resulting in the formation of turbostratic graphene. The process is efficient and scalable, offering a sustainable approach to graphene production.

Dr. Tour’s work in enhancing and utilizing the metallic properties of graphene has significant implications for the development of advanced materials and devices, contributing to progress in fields such as electronics, energy storage, and environmental sustainability.

Laser-burned graphene gains metallic powers

Rice University scientists find possible replacement for platinum as catalyst

Nano “Rebar”

“Rebar graphene” is a hybrid material Dr. Tour and his team developed that integrates carbon nanotubes into graphene to enhance its mechanical and electrical properties. This innovation addresses graphene’s inherent brittleness, a single layer of carbon atoms renowned for its strength and conductivity but prone to fracture under stress.

This reinforcement significantly increases the foam’s strength and elasticity, enabling it to support over 3,000 times its own weight and recover its original shape after compression. Rebar graphene’s enhanced durability and resilience make it ideal for use in structural materials and energy storage devices.

Development of Rebar Graphene: In 2014, Dr. Tour’s team introduced a method to embed carbon nanotubes within graphene sheets, drawing inspiration from steel rebar used to reinforce concrete. The process involves spin-coating functionalized carbon nanotubes onto a copper substrate, followed by chemical vapor deposition to grow graphene over the nanotubes. This integration results in a seamless hybrid material where the nanotubes act as reinforcing bars, enhancing graphene’s overall strength and flexibility.

Enhanced Mechanical Properties: Incorporating nanotubes significantly improves graphene’s fracture toughness. Studies have shown that rebar graphene is more than twice as tough as pristine graphene, effectively resisting crack propagation and maintaining structural integrity under stress. This enhancement is crucial for applications requiring durable and flexible materials.

Improved Electrical Conductivity: Beyond mechanical reinforcement, the nanotubes in rebar graphene facilitate better electrical conductivity. They bridge grain boundaries within the graphene, providing continuous pathways for electron flow. This property is particularly beneficial for electronic applications where efficient charge transport is essential.

Rebar graphene’s enhanced properties make it suitable for various applications, including flexible electronics, transparent conductive films, and composite materials. Its development represents a significant advancement in material science, offering a practical solution to the limitations of pure graphene and paving the way for its broader use in technology and industry.

Nanodiamonds

Nanodiamonds are microscopic crystals exhibiting the same carbon-atom lattice structure as larger diamonds. They offer unique properties for various applications. Dr. Tour and his team’s work has paved the way for significant advancements in their production.

Flash Joule Heating Method: Dr. Tour’s team developed a method called flash Joule heating to convert carbon-containing materials into nanodiamonds. This process involves subjecting materials like carbon black to a rapid, high-temperature electrical discharge, reaching temperatures up to 3,000 Kelvin in milliseconds. The extreme conditions facilitate the transformation of carbon into nanodiamonds without the need for high-pressure environments traditionally required for diamond formation. This efficient and scalable technique provides a cost-effective approach to nanodiamond production.

Functionalization with Fluorine: In further research, Dr. Tour’s group explored the functionalization of nanodiamonds by incorporating fluorine atoms during the Flash Joule Heating process. They produced fluorinated nanodiamonds by adding organic fluorine compounds and fluoride precursors to the carbon source. The fluorination enhances nanodiamonds’ chemical reactivity and potential applications, making them suitable for electronics, drug delivery systems, and lubricants.

Significance and Applications: The ability to produce nanodiamonds efficiently and functionalize them with elements like fluorine opens new avenues for their application in various fields. Fluorinated nanodiamonds can serve as wide-band gap semiconductors, essential for high-power and high-frequency devices. Their biocompatibility and functionalization potential in medicine make them suitable for targeted drug delivery and imaging. Additionally, their hardness and chemical stability are advantageous in creating durable lubricants and coatings.

Dr. Tour’s work in synthesizing and modifying nanodiamonds contributes to developing advanced materials with tailored properties, expanding their utility across multiple industries.

An electron microscope image shows a late stage in the evolution of carbon and fluorine atoms under flash Joule heating. The carbon atoms form concentric shells around a nanodiamond core. As heating proceeds, the diamond phase is replaced by the shell. Courtesy of the Tour Group
An electron microscope image shows a late stage in the evolution of carbon and fluorine atoms under flash Joule heating. The carbon atoms form concentric shells around a nanodiamond core. As heating proceeds, the diamond phase is replaced by the shell. Courtesy of the Tour Group

‘Flashed’ nanodiamonds are just a phase

Rice produces fluorinated nanodiamond, graphene, concentric carbon via flash Joule heating

Nanoribbons

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are two-dimensional structures – narrow strips of graphene with unique electronic and mechanical properties. The width of a nanoribbon is on the nanometer scale, and the length can extend to several micrometers.

Synthesis of Graphene Nanoribbons: In 2009, Dr. Tour’s team introduced a method to produce GNRs by unzipping multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). This process involves longitudinally cutting MWCNTs to form flat, ribbon-like structures. The resulting GNRs exhibit high electrical conductivity and can be tailored in width and edge structure, influencing their electronic properties.

Functionalization and Applications: Dr. Tour’s research extends to the functionalization of GNRs to enhance their compatibility with various materials and expand their applications. By attaching different chemical groups to the edges of GNRs, his team has developed materials suitable for:

  • Aerospace De-Icing: GNR coatings that heat upon electrical stimulation have been applied as de-icing layers on aircraft components, such as radar domes and helicopter rotor blades. These coatings can be overpainted with commercial varnishes to improve wear resistance without affecting de-icing performance.
  • Food and Beverage Packaging: Incorporating GNRs into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic significantly reduces gas permeability, enhancing the shelf life of carbonated beverages by preventing carbonation loss and oxygen ingress. This improvement is achieved with minimal GNR content, offering a more efficient solution than traditional nano-clay additives.
  • Medical Applications: Functionalized GNRs have been explored for repairing spinal cord injuries. In animal studies, GNRs functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) facilitated nerve cell growth and reconnection, leading to significant recovery of motor functions. This research holds promise for developing treatments for spinal cord injuries in humans.
Rice University researchers discovered a meniscus-mask technique to make sub-10-nanometer ribbons of graphene. From left, graduate students Alexander Slesarev and Vera Abramova and Professor James Tour. (Credit: Tour Group/Rice University)
Rice University researchers discovered a meniscus-mask technique to make sub-10-nanometer ribbons of graphene. From left, graduate students Alexander Slesarev and Vera Abramova and Professor James Tour. (Credit: Tour Group/Rice University)

Water clears path for nanoribbon development

Rice University researchers create sub-10-nanometer graphene nanoribbon patterns

Nanowires

Nanowires are one-dimensional structures (unlike nanoribbons, which are two-dimensional) with diameters on the nanometer scale and lengths that can extend to several micrometers. Due to their high aspect ratios and quantum confinement effects, they exhibit unique electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Dr. Tour’s research includes the fabrication of ultra-narrow nanowires using meniscus-mask lithography. This method involves the formation of a meniscus—a thin film of liquid—between a mask and the substrate, which is then used to etch nanowires with widths as small as 7 nanometers. These ultra-narrow nanowires are promising for applications in nanoelectronics, sensors, and other devices where miniaturization is crucial.

These nanowires were created at Rice University through a process called meniscus-mask lithography. From left, they’re made of silicon, silicon dioxide, gold, chromium, tungsten, titanium, titanium dioxide and aluminum. The scale bar is 1 micron for all images. (Credit: Tour Group/Rice University)
These nanowires were created at Rice University through a process called meniscus-mask lithography. From left, they’re made of silicon, silicon dioxide, gold, chromium, tungsten, titanium, titanium dioxide and aluminum. The scale bar is 1 micron for all images. (Credit: Tour Group/Rice University)

Researchers Produce Nanowires Using Meniscus-Mask Lithography

Water is the key component in a Rice University process to reliably create patterns of metallic and semiconducting wires less than 10 nanometers wide.

Date Article Publication
8/4/2015 Researchers produce nanowires using meniscus-mark lithography AZO Nano
6/4/2015 Water makes wires even more nano R&D World

Rivet Graphene

Dr. Tour and his team at Rice University have developed an innovative material known as “rivet graphene,” which enhances graphene’s mechanical and electrical properties for potential applications in flexible and transparent electronics.

While possessing exceptional electrical conductivity and strength, traditional graphene is prone to wrinkling and tearing during handling and transfer processes. Dr. Tour’s team introduced nanoscale “rivets” into the graphene structure to address these challenges. These rivets consist of carbon nanotubes for reinforcement and carbon spheres encasing iron nanoparticles, enhancing the material’s portability and electronic properties. This composite material is created through a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process that integrates these components into the graphene lattice.

Enhanced Properties: The incorporation of rivets into graphene results in several key improvements:

  • Mechanical Strength: The rivets provide additional support, reducing the likelihood of wrinkling or tearing, thereby enhancing the material’s durability.
  • Electrical Conductivity: The carbon nanotubes and iron-encased carbon spheres facilitate better electron transport, improving the material’s overall conductivity.
  • Transferability: The reinforced structure allows rivet graphene to be transferred from its growth substrate without needing intermediate polymer layers, which can introduce contaminants and degrade performance.

Rivet graphene’s combination of strength, flexibility, and conductivity makes it suitable for various applications, including:

  • Flexible Electronics: Its robustness and conductivity are ideal for bendable devices, such as wearable electronics and flexible displays.
  • Transparent Conductors: The material’s transparency and electrical properties make it a potential candidate for transparent conductive films used in touchscreens and solar cells.
Rivet graphene (outlined in yellow) is nearly as transparent as pure graphene and retains its strength and conductivity even when flexed. The material was created at Rice University. Credit: Tour Group/Rice University
Rivet graphene (outlined in yellow) is nearly as transparent as pure graphene and retains its strength and conductivity even when flexed. The material was created at Rice University. Credit: Tour Group/Rice University

Healthcare & Bioscience

Activated Charcoal

Dr. James Tour at Rice University is working on a groundbreaking medical application for activated charcoal. His team developed modified charcoal nanoparticles that mimic superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes, which naturally control harmful superoxide radicals in the body. Superoxides, when excessively accumulated, can cause oxidative stress linked to a variety of conditions, such as stroke, traumatic injuries, and infections. These activated charcoal particles provide an affordable and highly effective way to catalytically neutralize superoxide radicals catalytically, thereby helping to reduce inflammation and potentially speed up recovery from injuries and diseases.

Activated charcoal’s use in this context is particularly promising because of its stability and ability to reduce oxidative damage without being consumed. This work, supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Welch Foundation, has potential implications for treating many medical conditions that involve oxidative damage, including infections and even complications from COVID-19.

Artificial enzymes made of treated charcoal, seen in this atomic force microscope image, could have the power to curtail damaging levels of superoxides. Courtesy of the Tour Group
Artificial enzymes made of treated charcoal, seen in this atomic force microscope image, could have the power to curtail damaging levels of superoxides. Courtesy of the Tour Group

Charcoal a weapon to fight superoxide-induced disease, injury

Nanomaterials soak up radicals, could aid treatment of COVID-19

Date Article Publication
25/7/2020 Charcoal Nanoparticles Are Effective Anti-Oxidants, According to Researchers Gilmore Health News
6/7/2020 Charcoal a weapon to fight superoxide-induced disease, injury Rice University News and Media Relations
2/7/2020 Activated Charcoal Can Be Used to Treat Injuries, Stroke & Coronavirus The Science Times
28/5/2019 Coal dust could soon treat brain injuries The Free Press Journal
6/5/2019 Using coal as a potent antioxidant Medical News Today

Antibiotics

Dr. James Tour’s research at Rice University focuses on tackling antibiotic-resistant bacteria using nanoscale “molecular drills.” These drills are motorized molecules that, when activated by light, spin at incredibly high speeds (up to three million rotations per second), boring through bacterial cell walls. This mechanical approach makes it possible for antibiotics, even those previously ineffective due to bacterial resistance, to penetrate and kill the bacteria. In recent studies, Tour’s team successfully demonstrated that these molecular drills could break through the defenses of Klebsiella pneumoniae—a bacterium known for causing severe infections and showing high levels of drug resistance.

When the molecular drills were combined with the antibiotic meropenem, which the bacteria were initially resistant to, they substantially increased bacterial cell death, reaching up to 94% effectiveness under optimal conditions. This combination approach highlights a potential for revitalizing older antibiotics that had lost efficacy, providing a new line of defense against superbugs.

While currently useful for external or accessible infections (such as skin or wound infections) where light can activate the drills, the technology may also be adapted to target lung or gastrointestinal infections with external light devices in clinical settings.

A scheme shows the synthesis of hemithioindigos described in a new study led by Rice researchers. The molecular motors are triggered by visible light and kill harmful bacteria by generating reactive oxygen species. Courtesy of the Tour Group
A scheme shows the synthesis of hemithioindigos described in a new study led by Rice researchers. The molecular motors are triggered by visible light and kill harmful bacteria by generating reactive oxygen species. Courtesy of the Tour Group

New weapon targets antibiotic resistance

Rice lab leads development of light-activated hemithioindigo molecules to kill infectious bacteria

Antioxidants

Dr. James Tour’s research at Rice University focuses on creating synthetic antioxidants to combat oxidative stress, where excess free radicals overwhelm the body’s natural defenses, leading to cell and tissue damage. This oxidative imbalance is implicated in various chronic illnesses such as neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. Collaborating with medical researchers, Tour’s team is developing nanomaterials specifically designed to mimic and amplify natural antioxidant activity, making them potential candidates for treating conditions like traumatic brain injuries, dementia, and stroke.

The lab’s work involves engineering antioxidants from carbon-based nanomaterials, like functionalized hydrophilic carbon clusters, which effectively neutralize harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recent studies by Tour’s group indicate these synthetic antioxidants could significantly improve injury recovery and disease management outcomes. Research on scaling these materials for clinical application is underway, focusing on achieving FDA-compliant synthesis methods suitable for widespread medical use.

Autoimmune Fixes

Dr. James Tour at Rice University has been extensively involved in various nanotechnology and materials science fields. His research at Rice primarily explores applications in nanomedicine, graphene, organic synthesis, and advanced materials, often with implications for energy, electronics, and targeted drug delivery systems.

His work on nanomachines and carbon-based nanomaterials has demonstrated potential in precisely targeting cellular structures, which could have future applications in treating diseases, possibly including autoimmune conditions. However, his recent projects and publications focus on areas like flash graphene synthesis, water purification, and CO₂ capture rather than specific autoimmune disease therapies.

Coal-derived graphene quantum dots as seen under an electron microscope
Coal-derived graphene quantum dots as seen under an electron microscope

Brain and Spinal Cord Repair

Dr. Tour is leading innovative work on repairing spinal cord injuries using carbon nanotechnology, focusing on graphene nanoribbons combined with the polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG). This composite, known as Texas-PEG, creates an electrically active scaffold that encourages neural reconnection across damaged spinal cord segments. Texas-PEG has shown remarkable results in studies, allowing sensory and motor signals to bridge wholly severed spinal cord sections in rodent models. This leads to significant motor function recovery within two weeks.

Tour’s approach leverages the high conductivity of graphene nanoribbons, which provide a pathway for neuronal growth and facilitate the transmission of electrical signals critical for neural regeneration. By pairing graphene nanoribbons with Texas-PEG, the team has designed a material that is not only biocompatible but also maintains the conductivity required for effective spinal cord repair. Unlike traditional materials, Texas-PEG requires minimal graphene, preserving conductivity and reducing potential side effects.

This work is part of a broader exploration into nanotechnology for medical applications, including efforts to transport drugs across the blood-brain barrier, an essential step in delivering neuroprotective treatments for central nervous system injuries. This pioneering research has garnered interest due to its potential to address significant challenges in treating spinal injuries and neurological disorders, bringing a new dimension to neural repair and regenerative medicine.

Graphene nanoribbons unzipped from multiwalled carbon nanotubes at Rice University are seen in microscope images. When their edges are modified with polyethylene glycol, the nanoribbons provide conductive surfaces for neuronal growth. (Credit: Tour Group/Rice University)
Graphene nanoribbons unzipped from multiwalled carbon nanotubes at Rice University are seen in microscope images. When their edges are modified with polyethylene glycol, the nanoribbons provide conductive surfaces for neuronal growth. (Credit: Tour Group/Rice University)

Graphene nanoribbons show promise for healing spinal injuries

Rice University scientists develop Texas-PEG to help knit severed, damaged spinal cords

Carbon Black – Emphysema

In collaboration with researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. James Tour has been investigating the health impacts of nanoparticulate carbon black, a byproduct found in vehicle emissions and cigarette smoke. This type of ultra-fine particulate matter has been identified as a significant contributor to emphysema, a severe and chronic lung disease. The research has shown that these nanoparticles, which can lodge deeply within lung tissues, damage DNA and activate specific immune cells that promote persistent inflammation. Inflammation and immune response are regulated by microRNA-22, which has been identified as a critical factor in the disease process.

The team found that eliminating microRNA-22 in animal models could prevent emphysema and inflammation, which indicates the potential for developing targeted therapies, possibly through inhaled treatments that inhibit this microRNA. This could offer new avenues for managing or slowing emphysema progression in patients affected by particulate pollution, including smokers and individuals exposed to high levels of industrial pollution. Dr. Tour’s findings underscore the urgency of reducing exposure to carbon black particles from cigarette smoke and environmental sources like vehicle emissions and industrial pollutants to mitigate related health risks.

A tunneling electron microscope image shows a lung antigen-presenting cell engulfing nanoparticulate carbon black. Image courtesy of the Baylor College of Medicine

Carbon black implicated in emphysema

Researchers at Rice, Baylor College of Medicine analyze nanoparticles found in smokers’ lungs

Molecular Devices

Dr. James Tour’s research on molecular devices at Rice University focuses on creating molecular machines and electronics that operate at an incredibly small scale, often using single molecules as individual, functional devices. Recently, he has collaborated with Roswell Biotechnologies to develop molecular electronic chips that use single molecules to monitor biochemical processes like enzyme interactions and binding kinetics. This breakthrough in molecular electronics could enable real-time biological assays, as well as applications in rapid DNA sequencing and even storing data in DNA molecules.

Light-activated molecular machines get cells ‘talking’

Mechanical control over vital cellular processes could revolutionize drug design

Molecular Drills

Dr. James Tour’s research on “molecular drills” at Rice University aims to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by using these nanoscale tools to break through bacterial defenses physically. The drills are activated by light and spin at high speeds, creating openings in bacterial cell walls that allow antibiotics to penetrate. This method has shown success against Klebsiella pneumoniae, a drug-resistant bacterium, when paired with the antibiotic meropenem, leading to up to 94% bacterial cell death in lab studies.

The molecular drills, which can operate in both lab settings and potentially in clinical environments for surface infections, offer a new approach to treating resistant infections by combining mechanical disruption with chemical antibiotics. Researchers are also exploring potential applications for deep-tissue infections using fiber-optic or other light sources to activate the drills internally.

The membranes of infectious bacteria are no match for molecular machines developed at Rice University. The machines are activated by visible light and drill into bacteria, killing them. The drills could also break down the microorganisms’ evolved resistance to antibiotics by letting the drugs in. (Credit: Tour Research Group/Rice University)
The membranes of infectious bacteria are no match for molecular machines developed at Rice University. The machines are activated by visible light and drill into bacteria, killing them. The drills could also break down the microorganisms’ evolved resistance to antibiotics by letting the drugs in. (Credit: Tour Research Group/Rice University)

Bacteria-killing drills get an upgrade

Visible light triggers Rice’s molecular machines to treat infections

Date Article Publication
1/2/2023 Light-activated nanoscale drills can combat infectious fungi News Medical Life Sciences
28/6/2022 Molecular machine drills holes in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, killing them Chemistry World
12/6/2022 Tiny nanoscale drills can bore holes right through bacteria Freethink
7/6/2022 Light powers nano-drills that kill bacteria Futurity
7/6/2022 Tiny light-powered drills could be our secret weapon against superbugs New Atlas
1/6/2022 Bacteria-killing drills get an upgrade Rice University News and Media Relations
17/7/2020 How can molecular drills annihilate the deadly superbugs? Pharma Tech Outlook
23/4/2020 Best Life: Killing superbugs with a tiny tool – medicine’s next big thing? Action News 5 Houston
13/12/2019 Molecular drill destroys deadly superbugs Futurity
17/1/2018 Nano-sized drills punch through disease Yale Scientific
21/11/2017 Scientists Develop Nanomachines Capable of Killing Cancer Cells Geek Reply
5/9/2017 Scientists develop tiny robots that drill into cancer cells to kill them Inhabitat
4/9/2017 These tiny, light-driven nanomachines can destroy cancer cells in minutes International Business Times
1/9/2017 Drilling cancer cells away IOL
1/9/2017 Nanomachines can bore cancer cells to death Chemistry World
31/8/2017 Motorized molecules driven by light to cut into cancer cells News Medical Life Sciences
31/8/2017 Molecules drill into cells to deliver drugs or kill Futurity
31/8/2017 Nanomachines that drill into cancer cells killing them in just 60 seconds developed by scientists The Telegraph

Molecular Jackhammers

Dr. James Tour and his team at Rice University have developed innovative “molecular jackhammers,” which are aminocyanine dye molecules capable of destroying cancer cells through a unique mechanism. When these molecules are exposed to near-infrared light, they vibrate intensely, creating a plasmon that produces a jackhammer-like effect that ruptures the cancer cell membrane. This effect is highly potent because the vibrational force physically disrupts cancer cells, potentially preventing them from developing resistance to treatment.

This approach has shown promising results in studies, including a 99% effectiveness against human melanoma cell cultures in lab tests and successful elimination of tumors in 50% of mice tested. By leveraging the mechanical motion at the molecular level, this method represents a new frontier in non-invasive cancer therapies that could be more effective and selective than traditional methods.

The structure of an aminocyanine molecule (a molecular jackhammer) overlaid on top of the calculated molecular plasmon by TD-DFT theory, with the characteristic symmetrical body and long “side arm.” (Image courtesy of Ciceron Ayala-Orozco/Rice University)
The structure of an aminocyanine molecule (a molecular jackhammer) overlaid on top of the calculated molecular plasmon by TD-DFT theory, with the characteristic symmetrical body and long “side arm.” (Image courtesy of Ciceron Ayala-Orozco/Rice University)

Molecular jackhammers’ ‘good vibrations’ eradicate cancer cells

Light-induced whole-molecule vibration can rupture melanoma cells’ membrane

Date Article Publication
17/9/2024 Molecular jackhammers are the coolest new cancer killers Galveston County Daily News
9/9/2024 Has cure for cancer been found? Here’s what scientists have discovered The Economic Times
7/9/2024 Op-Ed: Tearing apart cancer with vibrations — 99% success Digital Journal
6/9/2024 Scientists Destroy 99% of Cancer Cells in Lab With Vibrating Molecules Science Alert
28/8/2024 Breakthrough new cancer therapy kills 99% of cancer cells The Brighter Side of News
29/2/2024 Life-changing cancer treatment obliterates 99% of cancer cells, study shows The Brighter Side of News
12/2/2024 ‘Molecular jackhammers’ show potential to kill cancer cells within minutes Healio
19/1/2024 Molecular jackhammers drill pathway to killing cancer cells   Medical Express
18/1/2024 Molecular Jackhammers Drill Pathway to Killing Cancer Cells Texas A&M University Engineering
17/1/2024 Rice researchers discover new way to kill cancer cells with ‘molecular jackhammers’ Houston Chronicle
17/1/2024 Rice researchers discover new way to kill cancer cells with ‘molecular jackhammers’ MSN Health
17/1/2024 Rice University’s breakthrough ‘molecular jackhammer’ in Houston crushes cancer cells using vibrations Hoodline
13/1/2024 Scientists Destroy 99% of Cancer Cells in Lab With Vibrating Molecules MSN Health
9/1/2021 Rice University vibrates cancer cells to destruction Optics.org
4/1/2024 Scientists leverage nanomachines to explore a new cancer treatment Tech Times
4/1/2024 How scientists used nanomachines to discover a new form of cancer treatment The Sydney Daily Telegraph
4/1/2024 99% of cancer cells destroyed using vibrating molecules in lab experiment POP!
4/1/2024 Research scientist talks innovative method to kill cancer cells KOA Radio Colorado
4/1/2024 How scientists used ‘new generation’ nanomachines to discover form of cancer treatment New York Post
27/12/2023 Cancer treatment breakthrough discovered at Rice, UT and Aggieland Fox 26 Houston
27/12/2023 Big Breakthrough In Cancer Treatment: Scientists Destroy 99% of Cancer Cells in The Lab MSN Health
27/12/2023 These molecular jackhammers take on cancer cells in the lab, kills 99% Interesting Engineering
27/12/2023 Scientists destroy 99% of cancer cells in lab using new technique with ‘vibrating molecules’ Science Alert
20/12/2023 Embedding imaging dyes in cell membranes and rapid vibration kills cancer cells Inside Precision Medicine
19/12/2023 ‘Molecular jackhammers’ can rupture melanoma cells’ membrane, study shows Phys.org
19/12/2023 Molecular jackhammers’ ‘good vibrations’ eradicate cancer cells Rice University News and Media Relation

Nanozymes

Dr. James Tour at Rice University has been advancing research into nanozymes—synthetic nanomaterials designed to mimic natural enzymes. These materials have exciting potential in medical applications, particularly for targeting oxidative stress linked to many diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and inflammation. Nanozymes developed by Tour’s team can neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, which are harmful molecules produced by cellular metabolism and inflammatory processes. Unlike natural enzymes, nanozymes are more stable and can operate under diverse environmental conditions, making them suitable for various therapeutic applications.

Tour’s nanozymes also show potential clinical use in reducing oxidative damage in specific areas, such as neuroprotection and organ preservation. By effectively removing ROS, they could help mitigate cellular damage caused by oxidative stress in conditions like traumatic brain injuries, autoimmune disorders, and other inflammation-related conditions. This innovative approach aims to support natural defense mechanisms in the body by introducing a stable, enzyme-like material that does not break down as easily as proteins under stress conditions.

The nanozymes shown in this micrograph were made from activated charcoal.

Inexpensive, GMP-certified material makes free radical fighters

Nanozymes made from activated charcoal break down damaging superoxides

Date Article Publication
18/7/2020 Inexpensive, GMP-certified material makes free radical fighters Chemical & Engineering News

Nano Vehicles

Nano Vehicles

Dr. Tour has pioneered research in molecular machines, particularly nano-sized vehicles. These nanocars are constructed from molecules and are designed to move across surfaces or within environments at the nanoscale. The critical innovation in his work is the development of these tiny vehicles that can roll or be propelled with wheels made of single molecules, which can be controlled through chemical, electrical, or light-based stimuli.

Dr. Tour’s team has produced nanocars that operate at microscopic scales, with some having motors powered by U.V. light or even electrons. These advancements have implications for medicine, as they could potentially target specific cells or deliver drugs directly within the body, providing precise, targeted therapies. His research also explores potential applications in material science and electronics, where these nano-vehicles might perform specific tasks within microscopic environments, including cellular systems or electronic circuits.

Rice University will roll up for the second international Nanocar Race with a new vehicle. The one-molecule car has a permanent dipole that makes it easier to control. Illustration by Alexis van Venrooy
Rice University will roll up for the second international Nanocar Race with a new vehicle. The one-molecule car has a permanent dipole that makes it easier to control. Illustration by Alexis van Venrooy

Rice rolls out next-gen nanocars

Chemists prepare single-molecule racecars in anticipation of 2022 competition

Date Article Publication
26/10/2020 Researchers roll out the next generation of single-molecule race cars Nanowerk
26/10/2020 Rice rolls out next-gen nanocars Rice University News and Media Relations
29/11/2016 Nanocars driven by UV light Laboratory News
8/11/2016 These 3-wheeled nanocars are the size of just 1 molecule World Economic Forum
8/11/2016 Light drives single-molecule nanoroadsters ChemEurope
8/11/2016 Light drives single-molecule nanoroadsters Space Daily
4/11/2016 Light drives single-molecule nanoroadsters Science Daily
4/11/2016 Light drives single-molecule ‘nanoroadsters’ U.S. National Science Foundation
6/10/2016 2016 Nobel Prize in chemistry goes to 3 makers of world’s smallest machines Financial Review
6/10/2016 Scientists create a molecular, nano-sized, 4-wheel-drive car ZME Science
6/10/2016 3 makers of world’s smallest machines awarded Nobel Prize in chemistry The New York Times
5/10/2016 Nobel Prize-Winning Nanomachines Can Be Used in Factories and Hospitals Observer
15/6/2016 Nanosubs gain better fluorescent properties for tracking ChemEurope
13/6/2016 Nanosubs gain better fluorescent properties for tracking Phys.org
13/6/2016 Rice University’s nanosubs gain better fluorescent properties for tracking Science Codex
6/6/2016 Nanocars taken for a rough ride Space Daily
5/6/2016 Scientists test drive single-molecule nanocars in open air Tech Times
3/6/2016 Scientists test single-molecule cars in open air Canada Journal
3/6/2016 Researchers take nanocars out for an open-air test drive Engadget
3/6/2016 Strange but true: World’s tiniest car race The New Zealand Herald
2/6/2016 It’s a Bumpy Ride for Nanocars in Air IEEE Spectrum
1/6/2016 Nanocars taken for a rough ride Phys.org
1/6/2016 Baby you can drive my nanocar NC State University News
1/6/2016 Single-molecule nanocars taken for a rough ride Nanowerk
1/6/2016 Nanocars taken for a rough ride U.S. National Science Foundation
1/6/2016 Nanocars taken for a rough ride Rice University News and Media Relations
30/5/2016 World’s smallest submarine dives beneath the atomic water line The Sydney Morning Herald
12/5/2016 Watch molecule-sized nanocars race across frozen gold Popular Mechanics
10/5/2016 Nanocars rev up for the world’s biggest small race The Rural
9/5/2016 Nano-Car World Grand Prix Crazy Engineers
1/2/2016 330: Dr. Jim Tour: Driving the field forward by combining chemistry and nanotechnology to study nanocars, graphene synthesis, and more! People Behind the Scientist Podcast
18/1/2016 Race of world’s tiniest cars set to drive nano-robot revolution New Scientist
15/12/2015 Nanocar race starts next fall The Science Times
15/12/2015 Rice to enter first international nanocar race: 5 teams will participate in October 2016 event in France Nanotechnology Now
14/12/2015 Forget Nascar, scientists to compete in first nanocar race with all competitors measuring just a nanometer Daily Mail
10/12/2015 What’s Happening in the World of Nanotechnology in Houston? Houston Public Media
23/11/2015 Nanotechnology in science: Light-driven submarines to carry medical cargoes in the human body International Business Times
20/11/2015 Scientists create 244-atom light-driven submarine ZME Science
19/11/2015 Nanosubmarines promise a fast drug delivery device IEEE Spectrum
18/11/2015 Scientists build atom-scale sub that moves at ‘breakneck’ speeds Engadget
17/11/2015 World’s smallest submarine: 1-molecule craft that can move at breakneck speed Headlines and Global News
17/11/2015 Manufacturing Bits: Nov. 17 Speedy nano-scale subs; new aluminum alloys for cars. Semiconductor Engineering
17/11/2015 The superfast ‘submarine’ made from a single molecule: Microscopic submersible powered by LIGHT could one day deliver drugs around our bodies Daily Mail
17/11/2015 All aboard: Single-molecule submarine cruises the atomic seas NBC News
17/11/2015 These speedy microscopic submarines are powered by light Gizmodo
17/11/2015 Rice makes light-driven nanosubmarine Rice University News and Media Relations
16/11/2015 Team makes light-driven nanosubmarines Phys.org
4/10/2015 Light-driven motorized nanocar Chemistry Views
6/1/2010 Nanodragsters hit the street Phys.org
28/1/2009 Rice rolls out new nanocars Rice University News and Media Relations
12/4/2006 Rice scientists attach motor to single-molecule car EurekAlert
20/10/2005 Rice scientists build world’s first single-molecule car Rice University News and Media Relations

Origins of Life

Origins of Life

As a synthetic chemist, Dr. James Tour of Rice University critically examines current scientific theories about how life might have arisen from non-living chemicals on early Earth. Tour argues that many popular hypotheses, such as the formation of life from prebiotic chemistry, lack sufficient experimental support and specificity regarding the mechanisms that could lead to the complexity of even single-cell life.

In his research and public presentations, Dr. Tour emphasizes the immense challenges associated with the spontaneous formation of functional biomolecules—such as DNA, RNA, and proteins—under early Earth conditions. He points out that even assembling basic molecules into biologically relevant structures like cells would require precise conditions and mechanisms that current theories have not adequately explained.

Tour advocates for a more critical examination of origin-of-life studies and encourages greater transparency about the gaps in our understanding. His work in this area raises questions about the plausibility of purely naturalistic explanations for the origin of life, but he urges that additional work must be done. He consistently points out that significant discrepancies exist between claims about the spontaneous origin of life in popular media and college textbooks versus those published in scientific peer-reviewed journals. His perspective has sparked substantial debate in scientific and public forums, pushing for more rigorous testing and reevaluation of existing theories.

Science Education

Science Education

Dr. James Tour is deeply committed to science education, particularly in making complex scientific concepts accessible to students, educators, and the general public. At Rice University, he actively mentors students and is known for his engaging teaching style, combining rigorous scientific content with real-world applications. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Tour has become a prominent voice in science communication, frequently addressing topics related to nanotechnology, synthetic chemistry, and the origins of life.

Tour is passionate about encouraging critical thinking in science education. He often challenges students and audiences to carefully evaluate scientific claims, especially in fields with incomplete understanding, such as the origins of life. He aims to foster scientific literacy, encouraging students and the public to ask questions, engage in evidence-based reasoning, and remain open to where rigorous science may lead.

In addition, Dr. Tour has made educational videos and participates in public speaking engagements to bring scientific discussions to a broader audience. He uses these platforms to demystify scientific concepts, promote transparency in research, and inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. His efforts contribute to a broader understanding of science and encourage thoughtful engagement with scientific issues.

One box of Girl Scout Cookies worth $15 billion

Rice University lab shows troop how any carbon source can become valuable graphene

Date Article Publication
4/8/2011 One box of Girl Scout Cookies worth $15 billion Rice University News and Media Relations
20/10/2009 Rice opens Cure for Needy on the Web Rice University News and Media Relations
5/2/2009 Science rocks at Rice Rice University News and Media Relations

Tour Career Highlights

Tour Career Highlights

Dr. James M. Tour is a distinguished synthetic chemist and nanotechnologist, currently serving as the T.T. and W.F. Chao Professor of Chemistry, Computer Science, and Materials Science and NanoEngineering at Rice University in Houston, Texas.

Education and Early Career:

  • Bachelor of Science, Chemistry, Syracuse University.
  • PhD., Synthetic Organic and Organometallic Chemistry, Purdue University, under the mentorship of Nobel laureate Ei-ichi Negishi.
  • Postdoctoral Training, University of Wisconsin and Stanford University.
  • Before joining Rice University in 1999, Dr. Tour spent 11 years on the faculty of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of South Carolina.

Research Contributions:

Tour’s research encompasses organic synthesis, materials science, and nanotechnology. Notable contributions include:

  • Molecular Electronics: Development of single-molecule devices and nanocars—molecular-scale vehicles with functional wheels and axles.
  • Graphene Research: Innovations in graphene synthesis, including the flash Joule heating method for rapid graphene production from various carbon sources.
  • Nanomedicine: Creation of molecular machines for targeted drug delivery and therapeutic applications.

His prolific output includes over 800 research publications and over 130 granted patents.

Awards and Honors:

  • National Academy of Engineering: Elected in 2024 for his work on novel forms of carbon.
  • Royal Society of Chemistry’s Centenary Prize: Awarded in 2020 for innovations in materials chemistry with applications in medicine and nanotechnology.
  • National Academy of Inventors: Inducted in 2015.
  • Scientist of the Year: Named by R&D Magazine in 2013.
  • Feynman Prize in Nanotechnology: Received in 2008.

Educational Initiatives:

Dr. Tour is dedicated to science education and outreach. He developed the NanoKids program to teach nanoscale science to K-12 students and created SciRave, an interactive platform integrating science education with music and dance to engage younger audiences.

Throughout his career, Dr. Tour has significantly advanced the fields of chemistry and nanotechnology, earning recognition for his scientific achievements and commitment to education.

James Tour is the T.T. and W.F. Chao Professor and professor of chemistry at Rice University’s Wiess School of Natural Sciences. (Photo by Gustavo Raskosky/Rice University)

Rice’s James Tour named to National Academy of Engineering

Professor honored for work on “novel forms of carbon”

Date Article Publication
27/7/2024 Rice’s James Tour named to National Academy of Engineering ScienMag
6/2/2024 Rice’s James Tour named to National Academy of Engineering Rice University News and Media Relations
13/11/2022 These elite Houston researchers were named among the most-cited in their fields Innovation Map
24/6/2020 Tour scores prestigious Centenary Prize Rice University News and Media Relations
24/6/2020 Tour scores prestigious Centenary Prize Bioengineer.org
15/12/2015 Rice trio named National Academy of Inventors fellows Rice University News and Media Relations
14/3/2014 Rice research papers ranked among top 10 most read in ACS Nano AZO Nano
17/12/2009 Rice professors are new AAAS fellows Rice University News and Media Relations
11/12/2009 Tour a top-10 chemist Rice University News and Media Relations
12/5/2009 Tour honored by Houston Technology Center Rice University News and Media Relations
17/12/2008 Rice’s James Tour wins Feynman Prize Rice University News and Media Relations
15/1/2006 Small Times names Rice chemist top nanotech innovator Rice University News and Media Relations
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