As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of graphene's isolation, now is the time to reflect on this incredible material's journey and examine its prospects. Once Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov discovered graphene at the University of Manchester in 2004, this one-atom-thick carbon film enthralled scientists, engineers, and industry executives.
This wonder material has made waves in a variety of industries due to its unique qualities such as amazing strength, excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, and near-transparency. To support graphene’s potential for greatness, a new report by the IOP Publishing journal 2D Materials (11 022002) suggested that the graphene market will be worth US$5.5bn by 2027.
Over the years, new discoveries and applications of graphene have sparked media attention with various promises to revolutionize industries. Has graphene lived up to the hype, or all the news and attention it garnered was only noise? Let’s dive into some real-world applications and ongoing developments.
In the electronics sector, Samsung and Huawei have been at the forefront of graphene innovation. At the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, their researchers have created a graphene-based ball that enables batteries to charge five times faster than standard lithium-ion batteries. As for Huawei, the company is employing graphene film cooling technology for heat management purposes. These developments will soon address common consumer pain points: battery life and charging speed.
Meanwhile, in graphene’s use as a composite, a partnership between the University of Central Lancaster and the University of Manchester’s National Graphene Institute in the UK saw the flight of a small, remote-controlled airplane with the world’s first graphene-coated wings. This proof of concept demonstrated promising flight performance thanks to the unique combination of strength, stiffness, and lightness, intriguing aerospace engineers.
In the realm of wearable technology, Versarien has made significant strides. They've incorporated graphene powder into textiles to create smart clothing that can monitor vital signs and even regulate body temperature. This technology has applications not just in consumer products, but also in medical monitoring and occupational safety gear. High street fashion brand Superdry has also partnered with Versarien to develop garments with thermal regulatory properties.
Looking ahead, the potential applications of graphene continue to expand. Inbrain Neuroelectronics, a startup based in Barcelona, has developed a graphene chip that can record and interpret brain signals. The first human test will take place at the University of Manchester, where graphene was first isolated. This technology holds immense potential in medical diagnostics, communication for those with speech limitations, and controlling external equipment.
As we look back on two decades of graphene innovation, it's clear that while progress may have been slower than initially anticipated, the impact of this wonder material is steadily growing. From faster-charging batteries to more efficient water filtration and from stronger and lighter materials to advanced medical devices, graphene is quietly transforming various aspects of our lives and industries.
At Granophene, we are excited to be part of this advancement. Our team of experts is constantly exploring new applications and collaborating with industry partners to offer high-quality graphene products and solutions to the market. Whether you're in electronics, automotive, healthcare, or any other sector, we believe graphene has the potential to drive innovation and create value for your business.
As we enter the third decade of the graphene era, we invite you to join us in exploring the possibilities of this extraordinary material. The graphene revolution is just getting started, and the best is yet to come.