Graphene is often described as “two dimensional,” because it is a substance that is one atom in thickness: a flat lattice of carbon atoms. And yet, graphene’s tensile strength is roughly 200 times greater than steel. As an added bonus, graphene is also highly conductive and very flexible.
Although 2D graphene was first isolated by chemical engineers in 2004, it’s actually been in use since the early 1990s. How is this possible? Well, In 1991, renowned physicist Sumio Iijima used an electron microscope to discover graphene in its natural form: rolled into carbon nanotubes rather than flattened into a sheet of atoms. This led to the isolation of graphene, the chemical that is also the basis for graphene oxide.
Graphene: Common Applications
Graphene itself– the perfectly flat, unoxidized variety– has many different uses across a wide number of industries. Read on to see how graphene might be useful for your company’s needs.
- Polymer additive: When added to polymers, graphene can increase the polymers’ strength and durability. Graphene can also boost a polymer’s conductivity for both electricity and heat.
- Metal enhancement: Like polymers, metal sees an increase in thermal properties and conductivity when it’s infused with graphene. But graphene doesn’t need to be infused inside metal to enhance it. When graphene-based paint is applied to the outside of metal, the graphene can also grant metal a longer shelf-life by minimizing corrosion.
- Next generation electronics: Graphene-based circuits are more reliable, work more quickly, and are less vulnerable to electrostatic discharge (ESD)
- Water filtration and desalination: Graphene coated sand can be used to make water filtration systems that are both cheaper and provide more efficient and thorough water purification.
- Energy applications: When added to batteries, capacitors, and fuel cells, graphene’s conductivity enhances energy density and energy retention. When applied to electrode terminals, graphene can also prevent corrosion and lengthen the lifespan of batteries.
- Paints and inks: Conductive paints and inks, such as the ones used in computer touch screens, RFID tags, solar panels and so on, can be enhanced with graphene. With graphene in the mix, these substances last longer, are more resistant to scratching and abrasion, and conduct energy more reliably and efficiently.
- Construction: In construction, graphene is a very useful concrete additive. Concrete that contains graphene is not only stronger, but also conductive. By making concrete a conductor rather than an insulator, graphene ellows concrete to be used as a floor heating element. And even more interestingly, graphene greatly enhances the performance of sensors embedded in “smart concrete”– concrete that is self-sensing of its own structural weaknesses.
Other Forms of Graphene
As mentioned above, this remarkable “super material” takes two other forms: carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide. Click the links below to read more about the two other forms of graphene used in industry.
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