Learn about graphene and some of its future uses

Graphene is 200 times stronger than steel and lighter than paper. It is often referred to as a wonder substance, but many people do not know what to use.
The graphene was introduced at the recent MWC conference in Barcelona, where about 25 graphene-based research projects were presented at the Graphene pavilion, which included robots and wearable devices.


In the coming years some of these applications will be commercially launched, and we will begin to see graphene in phones, wearable devices and other technologies.

Graphene is a thin layer of pure carbon atoms inside a slice shaped like a honeycomb, a material that is not manufactured but extracted from graphite, a process that scientists succeeded in developing in 2004. The result is a two-dimensional material containing a number of unusual features required , Including being extraordinarily thin, strong and flexible.

The graphene was first isolated in Europe and the European Union was convinced that it could be the basis for the EU's largest research initiative. The $ 1bn Graphene Flagship program, hosted by the Graphene pavilion, aims to find ways in which the material can be introduced into the market. These are some of the expected uses of graphene in the future:

Smart phones
In the coming years, graphene is expected to be responsible for some significant improvements in phone technology. In addition to being flexible enough to be placed in bendable phones in the form of antennas or touch screens, it has tremendous potential for battery improvement.

Graphene can be built into the batteries themselves to improve energy storage and long-term performance, and can also accelerate power transfer between power source and battery dramatically. It works as a fast-charging route, allowing energy to pass very quickly, so researchers believe it can charge the phone within 7 seconds.

"It will take less than two years for this technology to reach the phones," said Carrie Heillett, head of innovation at Grapene Flagship. "They are amazed at the evolution of this material in 14 years and can be used in many areas in amazing ways.

Ericsson used the graphene in its 5G network demo.

Robots

One of the potential medical biopharmaceuticals of graphene is its use in improving prostheses. By combining graphene-based nerve sensors at the top of the limbs, a person can feel and respond to contractions and other muscle movements, which may help control the movement and strength of the robotic industrial limb .


In addition to being light, graphene responds quickly to pressure, ensuring natural movement and control of the wearer. And can contribute to making future prostheses more comfortable and responsive than ever before.

Wearable device technologies

The graphene material is very flexible, making it ideal for wearable hardware technologies. Researchers at the Institute of Photonic Sciences, the Institute of Photophysics, Spain, have incorporated graphene into UV-attached skin adhesives such as those that may help with first aid. The graphene layer inside was very sensitive and could measure heart rate and blood oxygen on the skin as well as exposure to ultraviolet light, providing a miniature health monitoring system.


Graphene can also be added to smart shoes for advantages including sensor, cooling and power. A graphene-supplied insole at the University of Cambridge can monitor pressure distribution for foot treatment and athletic performance.

New touch interfaces

The layers of graphene are very thin and are almost invisible to the human eye. Their use has been shown in the construction of a transparent-looking screen used to control a toy car by touching the pavilion of the graphene pavilion, an example of how to build future facades in materials such as glass or cloth.

The Commissioner of the European Union, "Andrews Ansip" in a blog after his visit to the pavilion of the Graphene Pavilion that the potential of the article seems endless, and that he was surprised by the extent of success and the extent of orientation towards the consumer.

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