The following content is sponsored by HydroGraph
Graphene: The Wonder Material of the Future
There is a new wonder material in town, and its name is graphene. Since it was first successfully isolated in 2004, graphene, with its honeycomb-like 2D structure and its wide gamut of interesting properties, has been keenly studied by material scientists.
This naturally transparent 1 millimeter thick lattice of carbon atoms has multiple applications and could even one day potentially solve the world’s water crisis.
The faith in the material is so strong that, according to numbers projected by Fortune Business Insights, its market value will be $2.8 billion in 2027.
In this infographic from HydroGraph, we are introduced to the fascinating world of graphene, including its properties, applications, history and production.
What is Graphene?
It is a single layer (monolayer) of carbon atoms, tightly bound in a hexagonal honeycomb lattice. It is the building block of graphite, which is made up of multiple layers of these monolayer carbon atoms on top of each other.
Here is a quick breakdown of its properties:
- It is the lightest material known to man, with 1 square meter weighing only 0.77 milligrams.
- Despite its light weight, it is still 200 times stronger than steel.
- It is one of the strongest conductors of heat and electricity.
- It also has uniform absorption of light across the visible and near-infrared parts of the spectrum.
Given that graphene is a pure carbon-based material, it is potentially a sustainable solution for (Read more…)