Term of the Moment
aspect ratio
Definition: graphene
(1) See also grapheme.
(2) A carbon layer one atom thick derived from the mineral graphite. Looking like chicken wire and considered a 2D material, graphene is naturally found as layers making up graphite. The graphene layers are separated by various exfoliation methods.
Extraordinary Properties
Graphene's mechanical, electrical, optical, thermal and chemical properties are outstanding, and it has been touted as a "miracle material." The 2D sheets can be layered together, fabricated into wires (nanoribbons), flakes, disk-shaped platelets or quantum dots for many applications. In addition, graphene can be added to metals, ceramics, plastics and rubber to make products stronger, lighter, more heat resistant or more flexible.
A Silicon Transistor Replacement?
As the most conductive material on the planet, in time, graphene is expected to supplant silicon in electronics fabrication; however, hurdles must be overcome. For example, graphene has no intrinsic bandgap, the difference between being conductive and non-conductive, which is an essential semiconductor attribute. However, as of 2025, scientists are finding ways to create a bandgap in graphene, and if this technology becomes commercially viable, it will be revolutionary. A graphene semiconductor does not heat up like silicon, and electrons can move even faster. A new and considerably faster generation of computer circuits may be the result. Stay tuned! See bandgap.
A 2D Graphene Layer
Graphene - From Soup to Nuts
(2) A carbon layer one atom thick derived from the mineral graphite. Looking like chicken wire and considered a 2D material, graphene is naturally found as layers making up graphite. The graphene layers are separated by various exfoliation methods.
Extraordinary Properties
Graphene's mechanical, electrical, optical, thermal and chemical properties are outstanding, and it has been touted as a "miracle material." The 2D sheets can be layered together, fabricated into wires (nanoribbons), flakes, disk-shaped platelets or quantum dots for many applications. In addition, graphene can be added to metals, ceramics, plastics and rubber to make products stronger, lighter, more heat resistant or more flexible.
A Silicon Transistor Replacement?
As the most conductive material on the planet, in time, graphene is expected to supplant silicon in electronics fabrication; however, hurdles must be overcome. For example, graphene has no intrinsic bandgap, the difference between being conductive and non-conductive, which is an essential semiconductor attribute. However, as of 2025, scientists are finding ways to create a bandgap in graphene, and if this technology becomes commercially viable, it will be revolutionary. A graphene semiconductor does not heat up like silicon, and electrons can move even faster. A new and considerably faster generation of computer circuits may be the result. Stay tuned! See bandgap.
Resembling chicken wire, graphene layers are separated from graphite.
Ron Mertens' Graphene Handbook educates the reader from the ground up about graphene's properties, shapes, uses and potential. A must read for anyone who wants to truly learn about this amazing material.