Graphene Applications
The properties of graphene, carbon sheets that are only one atom thick, have caused researchers and companies to consider using this material in several fields. The following survey of graphene applications introduces you to many of these uses.
Applications of Graphene under Developement
The following applications are currently being explored:
Components with higher strength to weight ratios. Researchers have found that adding graphene to epoxy composites may result in stronger/stiffer components than epoxy composites using a similar weight of carbon nanotubes. Graphene appears to bond better to the polymers in the epoxy, allowing a more effective coupling of the graphene into the structure of the composite. This property could result in the manufacture of components with high strength to weight ratio for such uses as windmill blades or aircraft components.
Transistors that operate at higher frequency. The ability to build high frequency transistors with graphene is possible because of the higher speed at which electrons in graphene move compared to electrons in silicon. Researchers are also developing lithography techniques that can be used to fabricate integrated circuits based on graphene.
Lower cost of display screens in mobile devices. Researchers have found that graphene can replace indium-based electrodes in organic light emitting diodes (OLED). These diodes are used in electronic device display screens which require low power consumption. The use of graphene instead of indium not only reduces the cost but eliminates the use of metals in the OLED, which may make devices easier to recycle.
Storing hydrogen for fuel cell powered cars. Researchers have prepared graphene layers to increase the binding energy of hydrogen to the graphene surface in a fuel tank, resulting in a higher amount of hydrogen storage and therefore a lighter weight fuel tank. This could help in the development of practical hydrogen fueled cars.
Sensors to diagnose diseases. These sensors are based upon graphene's large surface area and the fact that molecules that are sensitive to particular diseases can attach to the carbon atoms in graphene. For example, researchers have found that graphene, strands of DNA, and fluorescent molecules can be combined to diagnose diseases. A sensor is formed by attaching fluorescent molecules to single strand DNA and then attaching the DNA to graphene. When an identical single strand DNA combines with the strand on the graphene a double strand DNA if formed that floats off from the graphene, increasing the fluorescence level. This method results in a sensor that can detect the same DNA for a particular disease in a sample.
Ultracapacitors with better performance than batteries. These ultracapacitiors store electrons on graphene sheets, taking advantage of the large surface of graphene to provide increase the electrical power that can be stored in the capacitor. Researchers are projecting that these ultracapacitors will have as much electrical storage capacity as lithium ion batteries but will be able to be recharged in minutes instead of hours.
