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 de-icer gains anti-icing properties
Dual-function, graphene-based material good for aircraft, extreme environments
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.

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.

Rice study shows coal-based product could replace sand in concrete
Discovery could be part of a solution to the looming ‘sand crisis’
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.
Rice lab finds better way to handle hard-to-recycle material
Process transforms glass fiber-reinforced plastic into silicon carbide
Electronics
Battery Technology
Dr. Tour and his team of investigators have significantly advanced battery technology. His research encompasses several key areas:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.

Rice flashes new life into lithium-ion anodes
Fast ‘green’ process revives essential battery components for reuse
Battery Technology – EVs
Dr. Tour’s work with battery technology has two key contributions to the development of the E.V.s:
- 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.
- 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.
Date | Article | Publication |
14/10/2024 | The innovation that could be a turning point for electric motorcycles (and all vehicles) | Motorcycle Sports |
23/9/2024 | Researchers make unexpected discovery after working with scrap EV battery parts: ‘Very promising results’ | MSN News |
19/9/2024 | New battery recycling technique promises to revolutionize the electric sector | Motorcycle Sports |
19/9/2024 | New battery recycling technique promises to revolutionize the electric sector | MSN News |
19/9/2024 | Paving the Road to EV Transition | JDSupra |
19/9/2024 | Researchers discover new battery recycling method, could change the game | YouTube |
17/9/2024 | Researchers discover new battery recycling method, could change the game | MSN News |
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.
Date | Article | Publication |
1/6/2018 | The quirkier uses of graphene | Scientific American |
18/2/2018 | Edible electronics are on the way | Cosmos Magazine |
15/2/2018 | Graphene on toast, anyone? | ChemEurope |
14/2/2018 | Graphene on toast could lead to edible electronics | Futurity |
13/2/2018 | Rice University scientists create patterned graphene onto food, paper, cloth, cardboard | Textile World |
19/7/2013 | Graphene ‘onion rings’ have delicious potential | EurekAlert |
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]

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.

Tantalizing discovery may boost memory technology
Rice University scientists make tantalum oxide practical for high-density devices
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.
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
Date | Article | Publication |
12/3/2015 | Scientists see the light on microsupercapacitors: Rice University’s laser-induced graphene makes simple, powerful energy storage possible | Nanotechnology Now |
12/3/2016 | Scientists see the light on microsupercapacitors | Rice University News and Media Relations |
5/19/2105 | Doping graphene with boron to make wearable supercapacitors | The Engineer |
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.

Need graphene? Grab a saw
Rice University chemists make laser-induced graphene from wood
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.
Date | Article | Publication |
7/10/2020 | Scientists develop tech to filter COVID particles from air | Israel21c |
24/9/2020 | New Israeli-US Technology Filters COVID-19 Particles From the Air | Jewish Press |
8/10/2019 | Graphene filter grabs bacteria to kill them with a zap | Futurity |
15/9/2020 | LIGC raises $3 million for better air filters using electric currents and graphene | Venture Beat |
7/10/2019 | Bacteria trapped — and terminated — by graphene filter | Rice University News and Media Relations |
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
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.
Date | Article | Publication |
20/1/2017 | Doped carbon could treat water from Fukushima | The Engineer |
19/1/2017 | A Promising New Method For Cleaning Up the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster | Gizmodo |
19/1/2017 | Revved-up carbon purifies radioactive water | New Atlas |
19/1/2017 | Treated carbon pulls radioactive elements from water | Science Daily |
19/1/2017 | Treated carbon pulls radioactive elements from water | Rice University News and Media Relations |
12/1/2013 | Graphene oxide causes radioactive material to ‘clump’ out of water | New Atlas |
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.
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)
Date | Article | Publication |
4/8/2017 | Two Sides To This Energy Story | EE World Online |
3/8/2017 | A dual-surface graphene electrode to split water into hydrogen and oxygen | Nanowerk |
16/4/2015 | Cobalt Film Could Be Inexpensive New Catalyst In Clean Fuel Field | Headlines & Global News |
16/4/2015 | Cobalt Film Produces Feed for Fuel Cells | R&D World |
15/4/2015 | Cobalt film a clean-fuel find: Rice University discovery is efficient, robust at drawing hydrogen and oxygen from water | Nanowerk |
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.
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.
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.
New $12M research project aims to provide ‘practical solutions to critical environmental challenges’
Rice and Army Research Center tackle PFAS pollution with innovative techniques
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 may bolster oil and gas wells
Rice University researchers microwave a composite to toughen wellbore walls
Date | Article | Publication |
14/7/2016 | Nanotechnology Holds Potential for Oil Spill, Wellbore Stability | Rigzone |
17/5/2016 | Graphene nanoribbons help to plug gaps in wellbores | The Engineer |
12/5/2016 | Microwaved nanoribbons may bolster oil and gas wells | Rice University News and Media Relations |
12/5/2016 | Microwaved nanoribbons may bolster oil and gas wells | Phys.org |
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.
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.
Date | Article | Publication |
3/5/2019 | Artist uses Rice lab’s laser-induced graphene to electrify his artwork | AZO Nano |
3/5/2019 | Remarkable images show how lasers can be used to make electronic works of art by turning carbon into graphene | Daily Mail |
2/5/2019 | Graphene art — no ink needed | Nanowerk |
27/6/2018 | Sculpting with graphene foam | Advanced Science News |
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
“Flashed” byproduct of crude oil could bolster materials, polymer inks
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]

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]

Epoxy compound gets a graphene bump
Rice University scientists combine graphene foam, epoxy into tough, conductive composite
Date | Article | Publication |
14/11/2018 | Epoxy compound gets a graphene bump | Rice University News and Media Relations |
19/6/2018 | Machine makes squishy 3D stuff from graphene foam | Futurity |
14/6/2018 | Sculpting with graphene foam | Nanowerk |
17/2/2017 | The Enhanced Potential of Graphene Foam | AZO Nano |
16/2/2017 | Graphene foam gets big and tough | Chem Europe |
15/2/2017 | ‘Defective’ carbon simplifies hydrogen peroxide production | DPA |
15/2/2017 | Nanotube-reinforced graphene foam found to be highly conductive | Institution of Mechanical Engineers |
14/2/2017 | Nyt materiale: Armeret grafen-skum kan bære 3000 gange sin egen vægt | Dr.DK |
14/2/2017 | Graphene foam supports more than 3,000X its weight | Futurity |
14/2/2017 | Graphene foam gets big and tough | Science Daily |
14/2/2017 | Graphene foam gets big and tough: Nanotube-reinforced material can be shaped, is highly conductive | Phys.org |
13/2/2017 | Graphene foam gets big and tough | Rice Rice University News and Media Relations |
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”]

Corps of Engineers funds bid to ‘flash’ waste into useful materials
Grant to Rice enables expansion of discovery that produced graphene from food, plastic
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
Date | Article | Publication |
12/9/2022 | Simple sanding technique makes superhydrophobic surfaces | Physics World |
5/8/2022 | Sanding trick gets water to slide right off surfaces | Futurity |
11/1/2021 | Metastable metallic nanoparticles could find use in electronics, optics | Phys.org |
20/8/2015 | Laser-burned graphene gains metallic powers | Science Daily |
20/8/2015 | Laser-burned graphene gains metallic powers | Rice University News and Media Relations |
20/8/2015 | Researchers embed graphene with metallic nanoparticles | Breitbart |
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.
Date | Article | Publication |
30/8/2018 | Reinforcing graphene using carbon nanotubes makes it twice as resistant to fractures | AZO Nano |
5/8/2018 | Nano-sized ‘rebar’ makes graphene twice as strong | Futurity |
15/2/2017 | Scientists develop strong and flexible graphene material | Design Engineering |
15/2/2017 | Graphene Foam Gets Big and Tough: Nanotube-Reinforced Material Can Be Shaped, Is Highly Conductive | Before It’s News |
15/2/2017 | Doped graphene foam shows super strength | The Engineer |
14/2/2017 | Scientists create rebar graphene foam that can support a weight 3,000 times greater than its own | Wonderful Engineering |
14/2/2017 | ‘Rebar graphene’ foam supports 3,000 times its own weight | New Atlas |
14/2/2017 | Graphene Foam Gets Big and Tough | EE World Online |
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.

‘Flashed’ nanodiamonds are just a phase
Rice produces fluorinated nanodiamond, graphene, concentric carbon via flash Joule heating
Date | Article | Publication |
23/6/2021 | ‘Flashed’ nanodiamonds are just a phase: Rice produces fluorinated nanodiamond, graphene, concentric carbon via flash Joule heating | Nanotechnology Now |
21/6/2021 | ‘Flashed’ nanodiamonds are just a phase | Rice University News and Media Relations |
21/6/2021 | ‘Flashed’ nanodiamonds are just a phase | Science Daily |
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.

Water clears path for nanoribbon development
Rice University researchers create sub-10-nanometer graphene nanoribbon patterns
Date | Article | Publication |
11/10/2013 | Mix of graphene nanoribbons, polymer has potential for cars, soda, beer | Phys.org |
1/8/2013 | Water mask enables graphene ‘nanoribbon’ etching | The Engineer |
31/7/2013 | Rice lab creates sub-10-nanometer graphene nanoribbon patterns | Next Big Future |
30/7/2013 | Researchers create sub-10-nanometer graphene nanoribbon patterns | Phys.org |
30/7/2013 | Water helps form long graphene nanoribbons | AZO Nano |
30/7/2013 | Water clears path for nanoribbon development | Science Daily |
27/7/2013 | Water clears path for nanoribbon development | Rice University News and Media Relations |
27/7/2013 | Graphene nanoribbons grown bottom-up for first time | OverClockers Club |
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.

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.
Date | Article | Publication |
22/7/2016 | Graphene “Rivet” Enhances Material’s Electronics | electronics360 |
20/7/2016 | Making graphene more practical | HackADay |
18/7/2018 | ‘Rivet graphene’ proves its mettle | iConnect007 |
14/7/2016 | ‘Rivet graphene’ proves its mettle | Science Daily |
14/7/2016 | ‘Rivet graphene’ proves its mettle | EurekAlert |
14/7/2016 | ‘Rivet graphene’ proves its mettle: Toughened material is easier to handle, useful for electronics | Phys.org |
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.

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.

New weapon targets antibiotic resistance
Rice lab leads development of light-activated hemithioindigo molecules to kill infectious bacteria
Date | Article | Publication |
9/2/2023 | Researchers turn to tiny robots to fight antibiotic resistance | PNAS |
14/9/2022 | Light-activated molecular machines combat antimicrobial resistance | Advanced Science News |
25/8/2022 | New weapon targets antibiotic resistance | Rice University News and Media Relations |
25/8/2022 | New weapon targets antibiotic resistance | Science Daily |
20/6/2022 | Light-activated nanomachines combat bacterial infections | Photonics |
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.
Date | Article | Publication |
25/7/2020 | Charcoal nanoparticles are effective antioxidants, according to researchers | Gilmore Health News |
14/5/2019 | Coal-derived quantum dots offer basis for effective antioxidant | Ceramic Tech Today |
26/1/2017 | Antioxidants get small: Molecular compounds mimic effective graphene agents, show potential for therapies | Science Daily |
26/1/2017 | Antioxidant compounds mimic effective graphene agents, show potential for therapies | Phys.org |
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.
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 show promise for healing spinal injuries
Rice University scientists develop Texas-PEG to help knit severed, damaged spinal cords
Date | Article | Publication |
2/11/2016 | Rice professor, chemistry student may have a fix for injured spinal cords | Chron |
1/11/2016 | Langley scientist makes breakthrough discovery that could help people walk again | Aldergrove Star |
30/9/2016 | Graphene Nanoribbons Combined With Common Polymer Can Bridge Damaged Neurons | Forbes |
23/9/2016 | Scientists Restore “Almost Perfect Motor Control” to Rat With Severed Spinal Cord | Futurism |
20/9/2016 | Sergio Canavero: Human head transplant on track for 2017 after spinal cord experiment on dog | International Business Times |
20/9/2016 | Head transplant team’s new animal tests fail to convince critics | New Scientist |
20/9/2016 | Graphene Nanoribbons Could Repair Damaged Spinal Cords | R&D World |
19/9/2016 | Graphene nanoribbons show promise for healing spinal injuries | Rice University News and Media Relations |
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.
Carbon black implicated in emphysema
Researchers at Rice, Baylor College of Medicine analyze nanoparticles found in smokers’ lungs
Date | Article | Publication |
6/10/2015 | Insoluble Nanoparticulate Carbon Black Linked to Severe Emphysema | AZO Nano |
6/10/2015 | Carbon black implicated in emphysema | Rice University News and Media Relations |
5/10/2015 | Nanoparticulate carbon black particles tiny culprits that start emphysema | Science Daily |
5/10/2015 | How car tyres harm our lungs: Invisible pollutant carbon black found to be more dangerous than previously thought | Daily Mail |
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.

Bacteria-killing drills get an upgrade
Visible light triggers Rice’s molecular machines to treat infections
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.

Molecular jackhammers’ ‘good vibrations’ eradicate cancer cells
Light-induced whole-molecule vibration can rupture melanoma cells’ membrane
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.
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 rolls out next-gen nanocars
Chemists prepare single-molecule racecars in anticipation of 2022 competition
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.
Date | Article | Publication |
20/3/2023 | What happened when Jesus entered the room of Jewish science student? | God Reports |
26/3/2020 | Still clueless about the origin of life | Evolution News |
23/3/2020 | Finally, an origin-of-life scientist debates skeptic James Tour | Evolution News |
22/4/2019 | Chemist James Tour is scathing, hilarious: ‘Show me the chemistry’ of abiogensis. ‘It’s not there.’? | Evolution News |
6/10/2016 | Intelligent Design: Nobel Prize for Chemists who Synthesized Molecular Machines | Evolution News |
6/6/2016 | On prebiotic chemistry, synthetic chemist James Tour urges an admission of ignorance | Evolution News |
1/5/2016 | Animadversions of a synthetic chemist | Inference |
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.
Rice’s James Tour named to National Academy of Engineering
Professor honored for work on “novel forms of carbon”