Graphene is a promising material for the next–generation of nanoelectronic devices, but it has been difficult to produce single–layer samples in bulk quantities. A solution–based process for the large–scale production of single–layer, chemically converted graphene has now been demonstrated and used to make field–effect devices.

Most experiments on nanoelectromechanical systems have been performed in the frequency domain, whereas applications in computation and information storage will require operation in the time domain. A time–resolved optical approach to the transduction of ultrahigh frequency NEMS that works at frequencies from less than 10 MHz to over 1 GHz has now been demonstrated.

Nanogenerators based on piezoelectric nanowires have already been demonstrated, but these devices were not mechanically robust. A new approach overcomes such problems by avoiding sliding contacts. Repeatedly stretching and releasing a piezoelectric wire in the new devices can generate electricity with an efficiency of 6.8%.