What is Graphene and Why is it Important?
What is graphene and why is it so important?
Graphene is a flat, two-dimensional layer of carbon atoms that are arranged in a hexagonal lattice. The material was discovered in 2004 by Russian scientists Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov and was so revolutionary that they earned a Nobel Prize in Physics. The reason why graphene’s discovery was significant is because of its outstanding properties!
First of all, graphene is highly conductive. Its unique honeycomb-like structure allows graphene's electrons to travel easily and fast, without the possibility of scattering, saving the energy that is lost in other conductors. It is also because of this structure that graphene is a permanent conductor. This property makes it one of the best conductors of electricity and heat in the world.
Another important property graphene possesses is strength and toughness. It is one of the most durable materials known, due to its highly stable hexagonal structure and strong attraction between its electrons. Graphene is very thin - only one atom-thick - yet stronger than diamond! Researchers all around the world are working with graphene to implement it in various vehicles, neural implants, electronics, and even some protective gear. For example, Italian scientists constructed a graphene-infused motorcycle helmet, which is lighter, cooler, and more flexible than usual ones.
Some other amazing properties of graphene include its density (it is so impenetrable that even the smallest gas atoms of helium cannot pass through it!), flexibility, thickness (it is only an atom-thick, which makes graphene two-dimensional), transparency, and many more that we have yet to discover!
Graphene could be used in the future in nanotechnology, biotechnology, electronics, armor, water purification (from seawater to fresh, drinkable water), aircraft, and sporting equipment. This material has a lot of potential, and scientists continue to study graphene to understand how it behaves under different circumstances and how it can be used.
