graphene

Graphene is another allotrope of carbon and a new material which was first isolated in 2004. Graphene as a new material holds great promise for uses in many industries including: electronics, solar panels, touch screens, LED lighting and in many new composite materials for example it could be used in the construction of bullet proof vests. Graphene consists of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a chicken wire like arrangement of hexagons; similar to that found in graphite. Graphene is a very thin substance at only one atom thick but if you stacked layers of graphene you can form graphite. The first samples of graphene were obtained by removing single layers of these carbon hexagons from graphite using some very hi-tech stuff- sellotape!! Like graphite each carbon atoms in graphene forms three strong covalent bonds leaving one spare free electron. This free moving delocalised electron is responsible for the excellent electrical conductivity of graphene. The three strong covalent bonds made by each carbon atom make graphene an incredibly strong material, some 200 times stronger than steel.

The structure of graphene.

Uses of graphene

Graphene is one of the strongest substances known despite only being only one atom thick; it is an excellent thermal (heat) and electrical conductor, it is transparent and highly flexible. These properties seem like a scientists dream material and open up graphene to a mass of uses. Possible uses include:

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