A decade of graphene research: production, applications and outlook

-S.SRIVIDHYA, III BSC BIOCHEMISTRY, HOLY CROSS COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS), TRICHY.

Introduction

semimetal

Ultra thin carbon allotrope

Hexagonal and sp2 hybridized

Self repairing holes in sheets

Weight of plastic with x200 strength of metal

mobility of 2000–5000 cm2/V s

Biodegradable

Procedure

A fresh piece of scotch tape is taken

Adhesive side is pressed onto the HOPG

The tape is peeled away with thick shiny layers of graphite attached

The part with HOPG was refolded upon a clean adhesive section and then it is unfolded

This process is done until the end of tape is no longer shiny but becomes dull

These layers are transferred onto the surface of Si/SiO2 wafers

Different electronic structure

High electrical conductivity than copper

As graphene is a supercapacitor, it does not waste electricity on heating like copper does and so there is zero loss of electricity.

Capable of charging cell phones in 5 seconds

Zero gap semiconductor

Graphene exhibits write-read-erase-read-rewrite cycle for a non-volatile memory and they are more sensitive to light

Used in solar cells, data storage, etc.,

Expandable storage is due to high surface and volume,light, stable and unbreakable.

Usually solar cells fail to save energy that is obtained from sun. Using Graphene, this loss can be prevented.

Graphene exhibits efficient data storage which is the equivalent of approximately ten times the storage of current readily available 16 GB USB flash drives

As graphene is one atom thick it is flexible. It enables graphene smartphones to be flexible and unbreakable,that they can be folded and carried in pocket size.

It also makes thin film display

Graphene can extend to 20% of its original length and so the phone size can also be adjust to the priorities.

Graphene is capable of detectin 1 molecule which would be useful in touch screens.

Graphene as a support for DNA oligonucleotides typical of Alzheimer's disease by binding to the complimentary DNA strands associated with Alzheimer's disease which blocks the electrode surface and the DNA analysed.

High surface area enables substances to load into the surface.

Low electrical noise has been observed.

Can be replaced in aeroplane and other vehicles due to less weight.

Desalination of sea water.

Clothes that reacts automatically to the environment and as armour.

Cancer treatment with reduced side effects.

Wound healing and drug delivery.

Computer contact lens is possible due to its transparency.

Gives structural stability to buildings.

Anti-corrosion and chemical protection coating in paints.

Reference:Edward P.Randviir. Dale A.C.BrownsonCraig E.Banks.

“A decade of graphene research: production, applications and outlook”. Materialstoday. Volume 17, Issue 9, November 2014, Pages 426-432