In the year 2004, Professor Sir Andre Geim and Professor Sir Kostya Novoselov of the University of Manchester discovered and isolated a single atomic layer of carbon for the first time. This is called graphene. The pair received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010 in recognition of their breakthrough. However, why was the discovery of Graphene so important?
How was Graphene Discovered
Graphene is a fullerene consisting of bonded carbon atoms in sheet form one atom thick. Graphene was discovered using the ‘Scotch Tape method’. The ‘Scotch tape method’ used at Manchester was so simple and effective that this area of science grew extremely quickly, and now hundreds of laboratories around the world deal with different aspects of graphene research. Also known as the micromechanical cleavage technique, the Scotch tape method does not require large investments or complicated equipment, which has helped to broaden the geography of graphene science considerably.
Pros of Graphene
- It is the thinnest material known and with that also the strongest.
- It consists of a single layer of carbon atoms and is both pliable and transparent.
- It is a superb conductor of both heat and electricity.
- It is used in the production of high speed electronic devices responsible for fast technological changes.
- Chemical sensors effective at detecting explosives.
- Membranes for more efficient separation of gases. These membranes are made from sheets from which Nano scale pores have been created.
- Transistors that operate at higher frequency as compared to others.
- It has led to the production of lower costs of display screens in mobile devices by replacing indium-based electrodes in organic light emitting diodes(OLED) which also lower power consumption.
- Used in the production of lithium-ion batteries that recharge faster. These batteries use graphene on the anode surface.
- Storing Hydrogen for fuel cell powered cars.
- Low cost water desalination by using graphene-with holes the size of a nanometer to remove ions from water.
Cons of Graphene
- Being a great conductor of electricity, although it doesn’t have a band gap (can’t be switched off). Scientists are working on rectifying this.
- The main disadvantage of graphene as a catalyst is its susceptibility to oxidative environments.
- Research has proven that graphene exhibits some toxic qualities. Scientists discovered that graphene features jagged edges that can easily pierce cell membranes, allowing it to enter into the cell and disrupt normal functions.
- It is a long process to make Graphene based products
- Costly
Graphene based Products
- Ultra-fast charging of batteries.
- Collection of radioactive waste for easier clean-up.
- Faster flash memory.
- Stronger and better-balanced tools and sporting equipment, such as tennis racquets.
- Ultra-thin touchscreens that can be pasted onto a non-breakable material.
- Graphene-based e-paper that can update with new information.
- Quick and efficient biosensor devices 200, to measure blood glucose, cholesterol, and possibly your DNA
- Headphones with phenomenal frequency response.
- Supercapacitors that essentially make batteries obsolete.
- Novel waterproof coatings.
- Bendable batteries.
- Stronger and lighter aircraft and armor.
- Aiding tissue regeneration.
- Purifying salt water into drinking water.
- Bionic devices that can connect directly to your body’s neurons
Conclusion
Graphene is an incredible element that can change a lot of things. Consisting of the Marketing Industry, Technoogy Industry, Health Industry, and much more. Although there cons to Graphene there are many pros too. Technology is evolving and our knowledge is expanding. In conclusion, Graphene is an important element that can lead too many important and extraordinary products.