Graphene, a unique material with extraordinary properties, was first discovered by physicist Richard Feynman in 1982 while conducting experiments on superconductivity. However, it wasn’t until many years later that the true significance and potential of this material was fully realized.
(who found graphene)
In 1984, physicist David Perdew and Andrewny Zajac received a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to study the behavior of graphene under different conditions. They were particularly interested in its electrical conductivity, which was believed to be too low for practical applications.
Perdew and Zajac used a technique called photoluminescence spectroscopy to investigate the surface structure of graphene. They found that there were two types of graphene structures – those with a single layer and those with multiple layers. The former was observed to have high electrical conductivity, while the latter had lower conductivity.
Their discovery challenged many assumptions about the nature of carbon and paved the way for further research into the properties of graphene. It also led to the development of new materials based on graphene, such as batteries and electronic devices.
In addition to its exceptional electrical conductivity, graphene has several other remarkable properties. For example, it is highly transparent to light, making it an ideal material for use in optical devices such as solar cells. It is also highly elastic and can withstand compression and deformation without breaking down.
Despite its incredible properties, graphene remains a relatively rare substance. It is only found in very small quantities, with estimates suggesting that only a few grams of pure graphene may ever be produced. This makes it difficult to obtain large-scale samples or to understand its full potential.
(who found graphene)
However, the search for graphene continues. Researchers are working on developing new methods for synthesizing graphene and exploring its applications in various fields. As more and more information becomes available about this remarkable material, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the years to come.
Inquiry us
