NEWS – Researchers recently created the world’s first functional semiconductor made from graphene

HIGHLIGHTS

• By Researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology
• New research has overcome graphene research in ‘band gap,’ – important electronic property that allows semiconductors to switch on and off
• Benefit – Offer increasingly faster computing and smaller electronic devices are being developed

GRAPHENE

Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, forming a two-dimensional structure. It is often considered a wonder material due to its remarkable properties. Some key features of graphene include:

1. Conductivity: Graphene is an excellent conductor of electricity, even surpassing copper. Its high electron mobility makes it suitable for various electronic applications.
2. Mechanical Strength: Despite being incredibly thin, graphene is extremely strong and durable. It has a tensile strength over 100 times greater than steel.
3. Flexibility and Transparency: Graphene is flexible and transparent, making it suitable for flexible electronics and transparent conductive films.
4. Thermal Conductivity: It exhibits high thermal conductivity, which is beneficial for applications in heat management and thermal interface materials.
5. Impermeability: Graphene is impermeable to gases, making it useful for applications in barrier materials, such as in packaging or as a coating.
6. Light Absorption: Graphene can absorb light across a wide range of wavelengths, from ultraviolet to infrared, making it useful in various optoelectronic applications.
7. Chemical Stability: Graphene is chemically stable, which enhances its durability and suitability for various applications.

Due to these extraordinary properties, graphene has the potential to revolutionize several industries, including electronics, energy storage, sensors, coatings, and medical devices. However, widespread commercial applications are still under development, and there are challenges to overcome, such as scalable production methods and integration into existing technologies. Researchers continue to explore the full range of possibilities and applications for this remarkable material.