In the world of materials science, graphene has been a hot topic of discussion since it was isolated in 2004 by Dr. Geim and Dr. Novoselov at the University of Manchester.
Dubbed as a “wonder material” due to its remarkable properties, graphene has sparked both excitement and skepticism over the past 2 decades. To this day, many are left wondering – what exactly is graphene, and perhaps most importantly, what is it used for?
What is Graphene?
In simple terms, graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, resembling atomic-scale chicken wire. This unique structure gives graphene its remarkable properties that have drawn the intrigue of both the scientific community and the public.
A common misconception is that “graphene” refers to just one material. In fact, it represents a family of carbon-based nanomaterials – including single-layer graphene, few-layer graphene (FLG), graphene oxide (GO), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Each of these forms possesses distinct properties and applications, ranging from energy storage to biomedical devices, highlighting graphene’s remarkable versatility.
Graphene Properties
While graphene has impressive properties, it’s important to emphasize that its structure and properties can vary significantly depending on the specific form being considered. These variations — whether in the number of layers, defect density, or the method of synthesis — greatly influence graphene’s performance in different applications.
For instance, single-layer graphene, often referred to as monolayer graphene, is typically renowned for its exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity at the nanoscale. In contrast, bilayer or multilayer graphene may offer enhanced mechanical properties or greater stability in certain environments. Moreover, utilizing different production methods – be it chemical vapor deposition (CVD), liquid-phase exfoliation, or chemical reduction – can significantly influence the material’s quality, especially its surface defects, which in turn affect graphene’s conductivity and strength.
These variances explain why researchers are continuously exploring new methods to optimize graphene’s properties for specific applications. Gaining a deeper understanding of these nuances is essential to fully realize graphene’s potential across diverse industries.
Graphene Applications
The initial hype around graphene’s remarkable theoretical properties led it to being positioned as a solution to nearly every material challenge across various industries. However, as graphene transitions from early promise to practical implementation, its real-world applications have proven to be more selective and targeted.
CVD graphene has found extensive use in electronic applications – such as biosensors for medical diagnostics, biocompatible field effect transistor (FET) electrode arrays for medical implants, and optoelectronic devices possessing high efficiency in the conversion of light to electricity and vice versa.
However, broader industrial adoption has faced a critical challenge – the complexity of transferring monolayer CVD graphene from its growth catalyst onto target substrates, such as silicon or polymers. The transfer process is crucial for most real-world applications, but most end users lack the necessary expertise to perform this step effectively. As a result, graphene transfer continues to be a major bottleneck in the industrial adoption of monolayer CVD graphene across practical real-world applications.
In contrast, graphene derivatives and bulk graphene have seen greater industrial adoption as they bypass the challenging transfer step associated with CVD graphene. These forms of graphene are being widely explored in applications such as construction, energy storage, corrosion-resistant coatings, and thermal management to name a few.
A Future Enabled by Graphene
Graphene stands as a testament to the marvels of materials science, offering a glimpse into possibilities that could redefine industries. At the same time, it also reminds us of the complexities involved in transitioning innovations from lab to market. As we stand on the brink of a new era, graphene continues to spark curiosity — not only about what it is, but also about what it could ultimately become.
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