Emerging Technologies
Graphene
Definition
Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice. It is the building block of graphite, but graphene is a material with a unique set of extraordinary properties.
Why It Matters
Graphene is the thinnest, strongest, and most conductive material ever discovered. It has the potential to revolutionize electronics (leading to faster chips), energy storage (better batteries), and materials science.
Contextual Example
Researchers are developing graphene-based sensors that are so sensitive they can detect a single molecule, which could be used for medical diagnostics or environmental monitoring.
Common Misunderstandings
- While its properties are amazing, producing high-quality graphene in large quantities is still a major manufacturing challenge, which has slowed its commercial adoption.
- It is a two-dimensional material, only one atom thick.