Theoretically scientists knew about a possibility of existence of graphene for a long time. However for the first time this interesting material was received in 2004 by specialists of the Manchester university K. Novoselov and A. Geym. For the developments these scientists in 2010 were conferred the Nobel Prize.
As graphene relatively was received recently, it attracts keen interest in itself(himself) as from scientists, and ordinary people. Anyway, thanks to the unusual properties, it is considered one of the most perspective nanomaterials, methods of application which can find a set.
What is graphene
For a long time two modifications of carbon — diamond and graphite were known to people. The difference between these two substances consists only in the structure of a crystal lattice.
At diamonds the atomic cells have the cubic form and differ in the dense organization. Graphite at the atomic level consists of the layers located in the different planes. The structure of a crystal lattice also defines properties of both of these substances.
Diamond — the most solid material on the planet, graphite easily collapses and crumbles. There is a graphite destruction because the atoms in its crystal lattice which are in different layers have practically no communications. That is at mechanical influence, graphite layers simply begin to separate from each other.
Exactly thanks to such property of this carbon modification new material — graphene was also received. It just represents one of graphite layers thickness in one atom.
In each one-atomic layer of communication in graphite are even stronger, than in cubic cells of diamond. Respectively, and this material is firmer, than diamond.
Way of receiving and property
K. Novoselov and A. Geym developed a way of receiving graphene technologically simple, but rather labor-consuming. Scientists just painted over a graphite pencil a usual adhesive tape, and then put it and razleplyal. As a result graphite was divided into two layers. Further scientists repeated this procedure a huge number of times before receiving the thinnest layer in one atom.
As communications in a two-dimensional lattice of this material are unusually strong, currently it is the thinnest and strong of all known to mankind. Properties graphene has the following:
- almost full transparency;
- good heat conductivity;
- flexibility;
- inertness to acids and alkalis under usual conditions.
Weight graphene has very small. Only several gram of this material can be used completely to cover the football field.
Also graphene is an ideal conductor. Scientists created a tape of this material in which electrons are capable to run, without meeting obstacles, more than 10 micrometers.
The distance between atoms in this carbon modification is very small. Therefore through this material there cannot pass molecules of any substances.
Possible methods of application of graphene
Material is actually very perspective. For example, it is possible to do flexible and absolutely transparent screens of smartphones and TVs of graphene.
Also it is considered that this material shortly will be actively used for receiving drinking water from sea or cleanings fresh. Thin plates of graphene with the openings which are specially made in them by the size of molecules of water can be used as filters for salts and other substances.
On the basis of impenetrable graphene it is also possible to create anticorrosive aerogels for metal, for example, for bodies of cars.
As this material differs in high durability and at the same time has small weight, it can be used also in the aircraft manufacturing industry. It is considered also that transparent graphene widely will be applied as an alternative to silicon by production of photo cells.
Many scientists believe that this material is capable to be used, in addition, for production of capacious batteries. Smartphones with such batteries, for example, will be charged only several minutes or even seconds, and to work then very long time.