Graphene: the “shuffler” in the field of new materials

**Abstract** Researchers Andrew Geim and Konstantin Novoselov from the University of Manchester were the first to discover that when graphite is reduced to a single layer of carbon atoms, it exhibits remarkable strength and electrical properties. This breakthrough initially received little attention in the scientific community, but it soon sparked widespread interest. The discovery challenged long-held theoretical beliefs that two-dimensional materials could not exist, and more importantly, it opened up new possibilities for graphene’s potential to transform everyday life. For their pioneering work, Geim and Novoselov were later awarded the Nobel Prize. A recent innovation in material science involves the use of graphene in contact lenses, granting users enhanced visual capabilities. Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a lens embedded with graphene, which has exceptional light sensitivity, allowing it to detect both visible and invisible light, including infrared. This development has further elevated graphene’s reputation as a revolutionary material. The creation of the first single-layer graphene was surprisingly simple. Geim used scotch tape to peel off thin layers of graphite, repeatedly folding and peeling the tape until only one atom thick layer remained—graphene. Despite its simplicity, this method laid the foundation for future research and applications. Defining graphene remains a challenge for scientists. According to Tan Pingheng, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, graphene can include single-layer, double-layer, or even up to ten layers of carbon atoms, provided they maintain two-dimensional crystal properties. In 2013, China established a standard defining graphene as single- to ten-layer structures. However, identifying and classifying these layers remains a critical issue in both research and industry. Although there is still no universal definition, global enthusiasm for graphene is growing. The European Union designated graphene as a flagship project, planning to invest over one billion euros over ten years. The UK also announced significant funding to support commercialization and research. Countries like the U.S., South Korea, and Japan are leading in developing graphene-based technologies, such as flexible electronics and advanced batteries. According to incomplete data, more than 50 companies worldwide are working on large-scale graphene production, with over a dozen in China. Many of these efforts have placed China at the forefront of graphene research. **Challenging the Impossible** Graphene’s unique structure makes it capable of transforming various industries. If successfully used in supercapacitors or lithium-ion batteries, it could revolutionize energy storage. Dr. Chen Chengmeng from the Chinese Academy of Sciences explains that graphene has the lowest resistivity and maximum surface area, making it ideal for fast-charging, long-lasting batteries. With just five minutes of charging, a battery could last three days or more, offering great potential for electric vehicles. Heat dissipation is another major challenge in electronic devices. Graphene’s thermal conductivity is exceptionally high, reaching up to 5,300 W/m·K, surpassing even diamond and copper. Researchers have already created graphene-based composite films that significantly improve heat management in electronics. Graphene oxide, a close relative of graphene, has also shown promising properties. A 2012 experiment by Wu Hengan and colleagues demonstrated how a graphene oxide membrane could enhance the evaporation of water, intensifying the flavor of vodka. Later, they developed a film capable of filtering ions and molecules, opening up possibilities for desalination, sensing, and energy conversion. **The Carbon Family's Rising Star** Despite its potential, graphene is still in the early stages of commercialization. Most manufacturers are transitioning from lab to pilot testing, and many challenges remain. The high cost of graphene—ranging from 1,000 to 8,000 yuan per gram—limits its market appeal, with most demand coming from research institutions. Production methods vary, with physical methods like mechanical exfoliation producing high-quality graphene suitable for electronics, while chemical methods allow for mass production, though often with structural imperfections. Different techniques yield graphene with varying properties, making it suitable for different applications—from conductive agents to energy storage. Currently, the most promising applications for graphene lie in composite materials and display technology. Adding graphene to plastics, rubbers, or paints can enhance their performance. For graphene produced via chemical vapor deposition, its primary uses are in touch screens and solar cells. As research continues, the future of graphene looks bright, with the potential to reshape multiple industries and bring about a new era of innovation.

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