Breakthrough with New Technique for Graphene Production

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Graphene is the thinnest substance capable of conducting electricity, but is also flexible and one of the strongest known materials. Because of these characteristics, scientists and engineers have dedicated years to adapting graphene to flexible electronics and other applications. Light weight, wearable electronics made from graphene are becoming more and more common and can help decrease the load burden for the warfighter, potentially providing chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) early warnings and medical monitoring in the field. These uses are currently hindered by costly and difficult graphene production, limiting its usefulness for potential defense applications. The ability to cost effectively manufacture high quality, large area graphene is essential for future graphene applications commercially and within the Department of Defense. Researchers from the University of Exeter discovered a new method for producing graphene that is less expensive and easier than previous methods