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  • Understanding the Applications & Uses of Graphene
    Nov 04, 2019 | ACS MATERIAL LLC

    Graphene is quickly gaining acclaim for its dynamic properties and versatility of usage in the fields of manufacturing, electronics, and medicine. Graphene is a material made from a single layer of carbon atoms that is stronger than steel, lighter than paper, more flexible than rubber, and harder than diamond. It features electron mobility that is 100 times higher than silicon, meaning it could one day replace it as a primary resource in computing. It conducts heat better than diamonds, conducts electricity more efficiently than copper, repels water, and absorbs 2.3% of light. Its miraculous qualities mean that it offers many exciting opportunities for implementation in a variety of fields, processes, and products.

    As a result, graphene manufacturers are ramping up production as the demand steadily increases for this carbon-based super substance. Graphene suppliers offer the material in several configurations which highlight its beneficial properties and make them accessible for application in many industries. Keep reading to learn how graphene may change many of the products and processes that are part of everyday life.

    Biological Engineering

    While still in the distant future, within the next decade graphene may be a primary material used in biological engineering. Because it is thin, light, safe, and highly conductive, it could be implemented into medical equipment, such as insulin pumps, pacemakers, and other implantable sensory tools. These same qualities make it a great material to use in animated prosthetics that employ robotic components. It even could be used eventually as a substrate for tissue regeneration. Its uses in biological engineering and medicine are endless.

    Understanding the Application and Uses of Graphene Image 1

    Electronics

    Because it’s more efficient than silicon when it comes to electron mobility, graphene may one day replace silicon in computer circuits. It can even be formulated in solution to create a conductive ink, allowing circuit boards to be printed with graphene. Touchscreen technology could be revolutionized with graphene. It’s stronger than glass and is lighter and thinner as well. It’s highly transparent and conductive, which makes it perfect for optical electronics.

    Green Energy

    Graphene has high electron mobility and low light absorption, which makes it perfect for use in solar photovoltaic cells. Currently, silicon crystals are used to created solar panels, as they capture the sun’s energy and generate electricity from it. Graphene may prove even more efficient than silicon. When silicon changes light into electricity, it converts a photon to a single electron. Graphene, however, can produce several electrons from a single photon. Unlike silicon, which can only use specific wavelengths of light to generate electricity, graphene can use any wavelength of light. Graphene’s thinness and lightness means that photovoltaic cells could be implemented anywhere, including smartphone cases, roofing shingles, and sidewalk tiles.

    Composite Materials

    Composites have already made their way into mainstream modern life in automobiles, dental fillings, household goods, and the aerospace industry. They are lighter and stronger than steel, and because they can easily and affordably be manufactured, composites have become common in many industries. Graphene could one day replace carbon fiber in cars and aircraft because it’s stronger, lighter, and thinner.

    Understanding the Application and Uses of Graphene Image 2

    Coatings

    Graphene is optimal for coatings on a variety of surfaces, and it’s not just because of the material’s thinness. It’s hydrophobic, meaning it repels water aggressively. Therefore, it can be used to coat ships to reduce drag and allow for faster speeds and better fuel efficiency. It also can be used to coat aircraft and structures that are at risk of damage from lightning since its conductivity allows for electricity to quickly and harmlessly be dispersed.

    Graphene represents the material of the future in many industries, and graphene material suppliers are preparing for the increased future demand for this miracle material. To learn more about graphene or to purchase it, visit ACS Material’s online store. 

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