Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences: 10 Ways Graphene Can Change the World!
Thread Content
Graphene is one of the most remarkable materials in the world today. Although it is only as thick as a single carbon atom, its strength is 100 times that of steel, and it also possesses high flexibility. Since scientists successfully isolated graphene from graphite in 2004, the list of patents related to graphene has been growing exponentially every year. The technological revolution brought about by graphene is gradually changing the world! Here are 10 research applications of graphene, all of which will enter our lives in the near future~ Fuel from the air: Physicists Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov from the University of Manchester in the UK successfully isolated graphene from graphite, for which they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010. Gaim also discovered that graphene can be used to create portable generators, powered by hydrogen extracted from the air. Although graphene is extremely dense and not even the smallest gas atoms (helium atoms) can penetrate it, it can still be used to separate the electrons from hydrogen atoms. This means that graphene films can **improve the efficiency of proton-conducting membranes, which are an important component of fuel cell technology. Gaim imagined that future vehicles might be powered by trace amounts of hydrogen in the air.
Potable seawater? Graphene can help address the world’s water crisis; membranes made from graphene allow water to pass through while filtering out salt. In other words, graphene can completely transform seawater desalination technology. Researchers at MIT have found that this material has a water permeability several orders of magnitude higher than that of traditional reverse osmosis membranes, and nano-porous graphene may play an important role in water purification. In a 2018 study, researchers from the Australian Federal Science and Industry Research Organization used a type of graphene called “graphair” to purify seawater into potable water after just one filtration step. Only a heating device, graphene, a membrane filter, and a small water pump are used in the filtration process, and this technology is expected to be widely adopted in the future.
“The “Predator” perspective? The alien assassin in the science fiction film Predator possesses a superpower: he sees the world in thermal infrared imagery. Now, you can also have a perspective like that of a “predator”. Researchers from the University of Michigan have developed a graphene contact lens that enables wearers to perceive the entire infrared spectrum, as well as visible light and ultraviolet light. The researchers said, “If we combine graphene contact lenses with other wearable electronic devices, it will **expand our horizons and provide us with a completely new way to interact with the environment. ”
Graphene-based electronic products: The most promising application of graphene at present is as a substitute for silicon in the manufacture of ultra-small transistors, which will be used to build future supercomputers. By replacing silicon with graphene, the speed of computer processors could increase by hundreds of times. Graphene can also be used to create ultra-thin, flexible touchscreens, so you won’t have to worry about breaking your smartphone anymore. In 2018, physicists from MIT and Harvard University in the United States discovered that graphene exhibits even more remarkable electronic properties; it can be adjusted to two extreme states: insulator or superconductor. It exhibits two extremely different electrical properties: as an insulator, electrons cannot flow through it at all ； As a superconductor, electrons can flow through it with zero resistance.
A world without rust? Since graphene is actually impermeable, it might be possible one day to use graphene coatings to eliminate corrosion and rust. Researchers even state that glass containers or copper plates coated with graphene can be used as vessels for holding corrosive, highly acidic substances. Rahul Nair, a researcher on the team, said: “Graphene can bring about real industry transformation; it can be used to protect products from damage caused by air, weather conditions, or corrosive chemicals, and it has applications in industries such as healthcare, electronics, the nuclear industry, and even shipbuilding.” ”
Luminescent wallpaper: Thanks to new graphene electrode technology, luminescent wallpaper may replace LED lights in the future. Luminous wallpaper allows for better control of lighting and is also more energy-efficient. Nathaniel Robinson, a researcher at Linköping University in Sweden, said, “By using graphite instead of traditional metal electrodes, future components will be easier to recycle, which is beneficial for environmental protection.” ”
Faster and stronger swimmers? The Italian company DirectaPlus, in collaboration with the Italian company Colmar, unveiled its first sports apparel made using graphene and nanotechnology at the ISPO Munich sports goods exhibition in Germany. Compared to traditional sports apparel, sports wear containing graphene has the key advantage of acting as a filter between the human body and the external environment, ensuring that the wearer maintains an ideal temperature. Furthermore, this sportswear can effectively reduce air and water resistance, improving athletic flexibility and thus **increasing the athlete’s speed**.
Integrating biological systems: In the field of medicine in the future, it may be possible to implant graphene in the human body; this material could read the nervous system or communicate with cells, helping doctors to monitor a person’s body more effectively. It might also assist in diagnosing and adjusting biological systems to achieve an optimal state of health. This technology can also help fitness enthusiasts track and monitor their workout plans.
Wearable tickets? When you push your shopping cart past the checkout counter, there’s no need to queue up and have each item scanned one by one as is done now. The IoT wireless system will automatically count the items in your cart, calculate the total cost, and deduct the amount from your shopping card. Everything is done in an instant, and all you need is a receipt. It is the application of graphene technology in radio frequency identification that will enable you to enjoy such convenient shopping in the future.
Wearable tickets? When you push your shopping cart past the checkout counter, there’s no need to queue up and have each item scanned one by one as is done now. The IoT wireless system will automatically count the items in your cart, calculate the total cost, and deduct the amount from your shopping card. Everything is done in an instant, and all you need is a receipt. It is the application of graphene technology in radio frequency identification that will enable you to enjoy such convenient shopping in the future.
Bulletproof vests: Graphene is thin yet strong, and its ability to absorb impact forces is twice that of the materials commonly used in the manufacture of bulletproof vests. Furthermore, graphene is ultra-lightweight, so there are fewer constraints on wear. Not only bulletproof vests, but graphene can also be used to create other bulletproof surfaces, such as bulletproof windows.