What is Graphene?
Graphene is a versatile carbon-based nanomaterial that is 200x stronger than steel and can stretch up to 25% of its original length. It was discovered by physicists Sir Andre Geim and Sir Konstantin Novoselov, who were awarded The Nobel Prize in 2010 for their research.
- Tightly bonded carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice
- 200x stronger than steel, yet...
- Like rubber that can stretch up to 25% of its original length
- More electrically conductive than Copper
- Better at conducting heat than any material
- Optically Transparent
- Atomic-level barrier properties
Commercial Applications
Graphene is well-suited for an almost endless variety of applications from medical devices to building materials to consumer goods. Because graphene is a new material, many of these applications are still in the R&D phase, while others are being commercialized on a limited scale.
- Consumer : Clothing, Styling, LED Lighting
- Packaging : Beverages, Cosmetics, Food, Labels
- Industrial : Lubricants, Cement, Chemicals, Coatings
- Auto : Tires, Adhesives, Foams, Batteries, Wheels, Paint
- Sporting Goods : Golf Balls, Field Hockey Sticks, Hydrofoil, Rugby Balls
- Portable Electronics : Thermally Conductive Adhesives, Batteries, Substrates
Producing Graphene
Producing high-quality graphene on a large scale at a low cost has been a difficult challenge for the entire industry. Currently, production of mass graphene generally uses relatively expensive graphite as a base material. It requires large amounts of chemical solvents, energy and furnace treatment. This process often results in graphene with a defective perforated structure.
