How Graphene Can Change Our Lives
In 2004 at Manchester University, in the UK, a group of physicist examined a piece of scotch tape used to pull off layers of carbon from a slate of graphite. This led to discovery of the amazing material, Graphene. Since the discovery multiple companies have made investments for physicist to do more research on the material. This amazing material could lead to longer lasting battery, faster computer chips, solar panel t-shirts, battery charged airplanes, and so much more.
Graphene is the worlds first, 2 dimensional material. Graphene is so thin its just one atom thick. Since it is so thin the material has amazing abilities. It is so light that you can balance it on a flower. And just think, it has the same atomic structure as lead found in our everyday pencils.
Graphene is said to be harder than diamond (once thought of the hardest material) and 200 times stronger than steal. Scientists are finding new ways of processing graphene and new applications for the invisible substance. Since it is flexible and stretchable, it makes it the perfect candidate for solar generation. Graphene can also lead to advance in medicine, purifying water, and so much more. The possibilities are endless.
So why aren’t we using it today? Well one flake of grapheme can cost over 1,000 dollars to make using just the scotch tape method found in 2004. This makes it the most expensive man-made material on earth. We just need some big companies, with big bank accounts to support the research. Until we get funds needed to better this technology you can find graphene in things like, tennis rackets, ski’s, and light bulbs. It doesn’t seem like much but the research is still ongoing. Multiple companies have put million of dollars into research. So we just have to hope that one-day someone will invest more, and this amazing material will be seen in our every day lives.
