Universal Graphene: 11 Applications that May Change the World

Tech 2023-05-22 04:52:04 Source: Network

The structure of graphene is an atomic scale honeycomb lattice composed of carbon atomsGraphene may be one of the most useful materials in the world. Although it is only as thick as a carbon atom, it is many times stronger than steel and very flexible

The structure of graphene is an atomic scale honeycomb lattice composed of carbon atoms

Graphene may be one of the most useful materials in the world. Although it is only as thick as a carbon atom, it is many times stronger than steel and very flexible.

Since researchers first isolated graphene in 2004, the list of patents related to graphene has grown exponentially every year. It is estimated that before long, this super material will trigger a technological revolution that may really change the world.

We have summarized several significant graphene inventions that are worth looking forward to in the near future.

1. Obtaining Fuel from Air

Andre Geim of the University of Manchester and his colleagues won the Nobel Prize for the separation of graphene. Their research suggests that graphene can be used to manufacture mobile generators powered by hydrogen extracted from the air. Geim's research team found that although graphene is impermeable to even the smallest atoms, it can be used to screen for hydrogen atoms with stripped electrons.

Schematic diagram of graphene proton conduction membrane

This means that graphene thin films can be used to greatly improve the efficiency of proton conduction membranes, which are an important component of fuel cell technology. Scientists envision that in the future, cars can be powered solely by trace amounts of hydrogen in the ambient air. Andre Heim said, "Essentially, you extract fuel from the atmosphere and obtain electricity from it

2. Preventing mosquito bites

The same impermeability as fuel cells enhances other potential uses of graphene, including keeping mosquitoes out. In this application, researchers have discovered two ways to prevent these deadly insects.

Researchers at Brown University have found that multi-layer graphene can block the ability of mosquitoes to perceive chemicals related to skin or sweat, providing an unusual non chemical method for dealing with mosquitoes. Most importantly, these layers provide a physical barrier that mosquitoes cannot penetrate.

Graphene fabric details

Researchers say that with graphene, mosquitoes will not even land on their skin. Scientists originally thought graphene was just a physical barrier that prevents mosquitoes from biting through its puncture resistance, but when they saw these experiments, they found that it is also a chemical barrier that can prevent mosquitoes from sensing someone is there.

The next step is to create a graphene barrier that is equally effective when wet as when dry, as mosquitoes can pass their fiber bundles or feeding devices through the fabric when it is wet.

3. More drinking water

Graphene can even help solve the world water crisis. A membrane made of graphene can allow water to pass through, but it is also sufficient to filter out salt. In other words, graphene can completely change seawater desalination technology. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have found that the water permeability of this material is several orders of magnitude higher than traditional reverse osmosis membranes, and nano porous graphene may play a valuable role in water purification.

In fact, one type of graphene has been proven to be very effective in water filtration, making water samples from Sydney Port safe to drink after passing through the filter once. Researchers from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) in Australia used a form of graphene called "GrapHair" to make seawater drinkable after a single treatment.

Graphene desalination of seawater has low cost and can be directly consumed

CSIRO scientists say that this technology can produce clean drinking water in just one step, no matter how dirty it may be. All we need is heat, graphene, membrane filter, and a small water pump. We hope to start field trials in developing countries.

In 2019, another study published in Materials Science&Engineering C took this concept one step further, making the demand for chlorination obsolete. Research from the Russian National University of Science and Technology (MISIS) and other scientists shows that graphite oxide is injected into the solution containing Escherichia coli, and graphene "catches" bacteria by forming thin sheets. Once the thin slices are removed from the solution, water can be consumed, and graphene can even be reused.

4. Electronic products

Please forget about Silicon Valley! The future may lie in the Graphene Valley. Today, our electronic devices rely on silicon as a critical component, but transistors made of silicon are approaching the minimum size at which they can function, which means our device's speed will soon reach its bottom. However, the ultra-thin nature of graphene may be the answer to this question. Perhaps soon, graphene will replace silicon in our electronic devices, making them faster than ever before.
Graphene will also make it possible to manufacture ultra-thin and flexible touch screens, which are almost unbreakable. You don't have to worry about breaking your smartphone anymore.

Graphene material touch screen

In 2018, researchers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University discovered that graphene has even more astonishing electronic properties. It can be adjusted in two extreme situations: as an insulator or a superconductor. In other words, the same material can both block the flow of electrons and conduct current without resistance.

MIT physicists have stated that we can now use graphene as a new platform for studying unconventional superconductivity. People can imagine using graphene to make superconducting transistors, and you can turn them on and off, from superconductivity to insulation. This opens up many possibilities for quantum devices.

5. Predator's Vision

In the classic science fiction action movie 'Iron Blood Warrior', alien assassins have the ability to see the world through thermal infrared. Now, thanks to graphene, you may have the vision of a predator. Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a graphene contact lens that allows wearers to perceive the entire infrared spectrum - plus visible and ultraviolet light.

Graphene contact lenses

Experts say that if we combine it with contact lenses or other wearable electronic devices, it will expand your horizons and provide you with another way to interact with the environment.

6. Better condoms

Graphene may even have the ability to improve your sexual life. Condoms made of graphene can be even thinner, which means they can achieve more sensation. Moreover, they are also super sturdy, which means they are unlikely to break, which is the true test of any condom.
In 2013, materials scientist Aravind Vijaya Raghavan, who led the research on graphene condoms, stated that if this project is successful, we may use graphene, which will come into contact with our daily lives in the most intimate way possible.

Graphene material condoms are as thin as cicada wings

The pursuit of graphene condoms has been slower than some advocates had expected, but it is still ongoing. The Bill And Melinda Gates Foundation caused a stir when it funded research on graphene condoms in 2013. Although this effort was somewhat stagnant, it has shown enough hope to earn additional funds. At the same time, at least one company has joined this trend and launched the "graphene inspired condom", which actually does not use graphene but borrows its hexagonal structure.

7. A world that won't rust

Because graphene is almost impermeable, one day graphene coatings can be used to eliminate corrosion and rust. Researchers even suggest that glassware or copper plates covered with graphene paint can be used as containers for highly corrosive acids.

Spraying graphene anti-corrosion coating

The researchers who developed this technology say that graphene coatings are likely to become a truly revolutionary product suitable for any type of industry, including protection against air, weather factors, or corrosive chemicals. These industries include medical treatment, electronics and nuclear industry, and even shipbuilding.

8. Luminous Wallpaper

Due to the development of new graphene electrode technology, luminescent walls may soon replace light bulbs and can also make displays thinner than they are today. This glowing 'wallpaper' provides more comfortable and adjustable room lighting than electric light bulbs, and is more energy-efficient. Think about it, there is nothing more futuristic than the glowing walls of 'electronic warfare'.

Graphene luminescent wallpaper under testing

Experts say that replacing traditional metal electrodes with graphene will make future components easier to recycle, making them more attractive to the environment.

9. Bionic human

If you feel that you have become overly integrated with technology, then you lack imagination too much. Graphene research is leading the experiment of integrating electronic and biological systems. Basically, graphene devices can soon be implanted to read the nervous system or communicate with cells.

This technology may lead to medical breakthroughs, helping doctors monitor your body and even adjust your biological system to achieve optimal health. This technology can also help enthusiastic fitness enthusiasts track and monitor their exercise plans.

10. Better and safer hair dye

Although this technology will not change the world like other applications, graphene, as a safer alternative to toxic hair dye, also shows hope. In a study in 2018, researchers from Northwestern University reported that graphene not only can match the performance of permanent hair dye, but also does not need to add any organic solvents or toxic molecular components. In addition, it can also enhance the antibacterial, antistatic, and heat dissipation properties of hair.

This photo shows the golden hair before (left) and after (right) dyeing with a graphene based pigment

The researchers sprayed graphene oxide gel on human hair and let it dry for 10 minutes. This strand of hair is coated with a graphene film only 2 microns thick, and it is reported that even after 30 washes, the graphene film will not fall off. Experts in this study say that this anti-static performance can bring more aesthetic benefits, and this coating will not cause harm to your hair or health.

11. Bulletproof armor

Given the thickness and strength of graphene, it seems inevitable that it will be used to manufacture and improve bulletproof vest. Sure enough, the researchers found that graphene sheets absorbed twice the impact force of Kevlar materials. Kevlar is a commonly used material in bulletproof vest. Compared with Kevlar, graphene is lighter, so it has less restrictions on wear. This breakthrough can help our soldiers and law enforcement personnel stay safer when shot. The thin layer properties of graphene may even lead to the development of other bulletproof surfaces, such as windows.

Graphene bulletproof material

What changes do you think graphene materials will bring to our lives? Please share with us in the comments.

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