Advantages and Disadvantages of Graphene

Graphene, a one atom thin sheet of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal format or a flat monolayer of carbon atoms that are tightly packed into a 2D honeycomb lattice is the ‘new wonder material’ that is expected to shape almost all aspects of future technologies. Existing as the sole 2D structure on earth a lot is expected of this material.

Some applications include:

*Making strong and durable touch-screens for smartphones;

*Manufacture of state-of-the-art monitors;

*Chip making;

*Used in solar cells;

*Used as pressure sensors;

*Major advantages of graphene are;

*It is the thinnest material known and with that also the strongest;

*It consists of a single layer of carbon atoms and is both pliable and transparent;

*It is a superb conductor of both heat and electricity. It is used in the production of high speed electronic devices responsible for fast technological changes;

*Chemical sensors effective at detecting explosives. Membranes for more efficient separation of gases. These membranes are made from sheets from which Nano scale pores have been created;

*Transistors that operate at higher frequency as compared to others;

*It has led to the production of lower costs of display screens in mobile devices by replacing indium-based electrodes in organic light emitting diodes(OLED) which also lower power consumption;

*Used in the production of lithium-ion batteries that recharge faster. These batteries use graphene on the anode surface;

*Storing Hydrogen for fuel cell powered cars;

*Low cost water desalination by using graphene-with holes the size of a nanometer to remove ions from water;

*Used in the production of the graphene condom which is able to increase sensation and is much thinner than latex condoms.

Some of the major disadvantages of graphene include but are not limited to:

*Being a great conductor of electricity, although it doesn’t have a band gap (can’t be switched off). Scientists are working on rectifying this;

*The main disadvantage of graphene as a catalyst is its susceptibility to oxidative environments;

*Research has proven that graphene exhibits some toxic qualities. Scientists discovered that graphene features jagged edges that can easily pierce cell membranes, allowing it to enter into the cell and disrupt normal functions.

These are just but a few of the ‘wonder material’s’ advantages and disadvantages and since the material is still in the research stage much more is yet to be revealed .

Please visit http://www.samaterials.com for more information.