Graphene is a two-dimensional material that has revolutionized the field of materials science and technology. It was first discovered in 2007 by three scientists from the University of Toronto, but it wasn’t until 2014 that researchers began to realize its full potential.
(what is graphene: aravind vijayaraghavan slides)
One of the key characteristics of graphene is its unique electronic properties. It is composed of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, which gives it an extremely high surface area-to-volume ratio. This means that every square millimeter of graphene can contain as many as one thousand molecules of electrons. This property makes graphene particularly useful for electronics and energy storage applications.
Another important feature of graphene is its ability to conduct electricity with very low resistance. This is due to the fact that the individual carbon atoms in graphene have strong, stable bonds with each other. As a result, electrons are easily transmitted throughout the material without being hindered by resistance or diffusion. This makes graphene an ideal candidate for use in high-performance electronic devices such as transistors and sensors.
Graphene also has excellent thermal conductivity, which means it can rapidly heat up or cool down without losing much energy. This is particularly useful in applications where rapid temperature changes need to be managed, such as in fuel cells and thermoelectric generators.
Despite its many advantages, graphene has some limitations as well. For example, its high cost and difficulty in scaling up production make it difficult to obtain on a large scale on a commercial level. Additionally, its brittleness makes it difficult to work with and can lead to breakage when subjected to mechanical stress.
Despite these challenges, graphene continues to be a promising material with a wide range of potential applications. Its unique electrical and thermal properties make it ideal for use in high-performance electronics and energy storage applications, while its good strength and durability make it a popular choice for construction materials. Researchers are also working on ways to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of graphene production, which could make it more widely available in the future.
(what is graphene: aravind vijayaraghavan slides)
In conclusion, graphene is a fascinating and versatile material with a wide range of potential applications. While there are still some limitations to its widespread adoption, its unique properties make it an exciting area of research and development. With continued advances in technology and engineering, we can expect to see graphene become increasingly important in our daily lives and the world around us.
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