Graphene is a tightly packed layer of carbon atoms that are bonded together in a hexagonal lattice. Graphene is a thin and single layer of pure atom. It is so strong. It's up to 200 time strong than steel and harder than diamond.
Graphene is the thinnest compound known to man at one atom thick, the lightest material known, the strongest compound discovered, the best conductor of heat at room temperature and also the best conductor of electricity known.
Two-Dimensional Material
Graphene is the world's first two-dimensional material. Before monolayer graphene was isolated in 2004, it was theoretically believed that two dimensional compounds could not exist due to thermal instability when separated. However, once graphene was isolated, it was clear that it is actually possible, and it took scientists some time to find out exactly how. After suspended graphene sheets were studied by transmission electron microscopy, scientists believed that they found the reason to be due to slight rippling in the graphene, modifying the structure of the material.
Price of Graphene
Graphene is an amazing material. It has batter electron mobility than any other material. It is one atom thin, is flexible and stronger than steel. But the problem that prevented graphene from initially being available for developmental research in commercial uses was that the creation of high quality graphene was a very expensive and complex process. The price of graphene is linked to its quality and not all applications require superb material quality. For example, graphene oxide powder is inexpensive and has been used to make a conductive graphene paper, for DNA analysis, and for other advanced composite and biotechnology applications.
Uses of Graphene
Graphene amazing properties brings scope of various future applications following fields:
Biological Engineering:
- Able to monitor Glucose level, Haemoglobin level
- Toxic Graphene as anti-cancer treat
- Process of tissue regeneration
Optical Electronics:
- Touchscreens
- Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
- Organic Light Emitting Diodes
Super Capacitors:
- Electric vehicles
- Backup powering
- High power capability
- Cell phones
Graphene is also used in longer lasting batteries, solar panels, battery powered electric airplanes and in paint.
Several companies are producing Graphene today in small volumes, and there is a lot of research going into developing new ways to mass produce the material in an affordable manner. Most of the graphene produced today is used in Universities and companies. Some graphene based products are entering the market, but mass production of graphene hasn't been achieved yet.