Graphene: The magic material

Graphene is an allotropic form of carbon and posses some of the unique properties that are making this compound stand out of all other allotropic compounds of carbon. The compound was discovered in modern ages by two scientists Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov from the University of Manchester, UK.  After its initial discovery the compound soon began to make impact on every field of life and in recognition to their work they were awarded a physics noble prize in 2010. Graphene has unique physical and chemical properties and is much lighter, flexible and strong than many previously existing compounds.

Properties of Graphene:

One of the most unique properties of graphene is that its only one atom thick in nature. Graphene is composed of a simple 2D single layer of carbon atoms, which are closely packed in a hexagonal structure. Graphene is highly flexible material and can stretch to a great extent from its original shape. Graphene is lighter than any form of existing steel yet it is stronger than the strongest known form of steel. Graphene exhibits great intrinsic mobility to electrons moving through it. Graphene possess a very high rate of surface area and is generally many times greater than the carbon nano-tubes.

Uses of Gaphene:

Thanks to its unique properties graphene can be used for multiple purposes including :

Biological Use:

Graphene molecules are being used for the production of :

• Improved biodegradable polymeric nanocomposites for engineering bone tissues.
• Creation of graphene based fluids for better MRI imaging.
• Enhanced PCR activity by increasing DNA yields.
• Production of various kinds of bio-sensors, due to its unique thickness graphene based bio-sensors are nearly perfect water transparent and are not affected by any sorts of aqueous degradation of such bio-sensors.
• By applying certain bio-capture molecules on to the surface of graphene membrane multiple bio-sensors can be developed.
• Specifically designed graphene droplets are being tested for deliverance of drugs to special infected target tissues and cells.
• Researchers from the Texas University, USA have developed tattoo bio-sensors which when attached to the patient skin can monitor their body temperature and hydration levels.
• A research team at the University of California, Berkley, USA has used graphene layers for production of mutation detecting chips.

Treatment of Sea-Water:

Water is of great importance to mankind and without it the concept of life is nearly impossible. A large proportion of our water resource is in sea but due to high salinity it is unfit for both human and agriculture usage. Efforts are being made for the development of cheap water treatment methods. Recently researchers have developed graphene based special filters which filtrates the water with high success. It consists of thin layers of graphene with pores in it and these pores only allows water to pass through trapping out all the salt and pollutants resulting in production of fresh water. A recent effort by a research team from the CSIRO, Australia has shown the effectiveness of graphene for treating sea water and making it drinkable, the compound used is called as “Graphair”.

High strength Body armours:

In battlefield it is an absolute necessity for the soldier to be mentally assured of his own safety so that he can operate with absolutely no fear. Standard body armours present in market are usually made up of Kevlar and metal plates, and often fail to completely reduce the damage. Graphene armours could be answer to this problem, research group from the Georgia Tech University, USA  attempted to perofrate 2 layer of graphene with diamond tip and observed the diamond failed to break the layers showing the absolute strength of this material.

Improved batteries:

Grpahene also has great potential in improving the existing battery outlook, special graphene molecules when applied on to standard batteries improve their charging capacity and makes battery more durable. An ongoing research by Samsung R&D divivsion has developed batteries which can get fully charged five time faster than current duration and last much longer, graphene does this by preventing the degradation of cathohde and anode ends by continuous charging.

In a new effort recently Samsung R&D divivsion in a joint research venture with Seoul National University, South Korea has announced that they have developed a battery system for electric cars which can completely charge within 30 minutes and can last for up to 600Km drive.

Samsung Research Paper about improved batteries

Flexible Mobile Phones:

Grpahene is a highly flexible material and a material with great electric conductivity because of this it can also be used for manufacturing mobile phones and other wearable technology gadgets. Graphene also enables the creation of transparent display modules combined with its flexibility trait, tensile strength and electrical conductivity the material can be used for making mobile phones in near future. The material can definitely be used for production of more durable wearable gadgets that can withstand harsh environments and maintain their performance.

Rust Prevention:

Grpahene is an exceptionally strong material and applying it alongside other paint coats on cars and containers can prevent their rust and corrosion with upon reacting with corrosive materials. This thing can greatly revolutionize the automotive industry.

Space craft Materials:

Another effective application of this magic material comes in spaceships, these ships often get damaged upon existing or re-entering the earth’s orbit as the rubber insulation fails to maintain the shape due to massive quick temperature fluctuation. Graphene is an answer to this problem Vorbeck Technologies, USA graphene based rubber materials which are way more stronger than standard rubber and are not affected by temperature fluctuations, this further ensures the structural integrity and safe flight of spacecrafts.

Conclusion:

Graphene has come a long way since its discovery in 2004, so far it has shown some promising solution to existing problems faced by mankind , how far this tech can go on let’s see…