Graphene

Why in news?

• The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) Secretary has launched the ‘Graphene-Aurora program’ at a function in Maker Village Kochi, Kerala.
• The program shall be implemented by Digital University Kerala with joint funding from MeitY and Government of Kerala and Industry partners.

What is the India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (I-GEIC)?

• I-GEIC to be established in Kerala
• It shall nurture the deep/emerging Graphene technology & innovation ecosystem that can guide, develop, implement and support SMEs and startups to commercialize developed graphene technologies for scale adoption
• The center shall fill the gap between R&D and commercialization by providing a complete facility to startup and industry.

About Graphene:

• It is a single layer (monolayer) of carbon atoms (one atom thick).  It is the building-block of Graphite.
• It is harder than diamond yet more elastic than rubber; tougher than steel yet lighter than aluminum.  
• Graphene is the strongest known material.
• Its thin composition and high conductivity means it is used in applications ranging from miniaturized electronics to biomedical devices.
• These properties also enable thinner wire connections; providing extensive benefits for computers, solar panels, batteries, sensors and other devices.

Other Properties of Graphene:

• Lowest resistivity at room temperature.
• High thermal stability
• High elasticity
• High electrical conductivity
• Electron mobility is high at room temperature.

Applications:

• Graphene is widely used in making solar cells, light-emitting diodes, touch panels and smart windows.
• Graphene super capacitors serve as energy storage devices with a capacity for faster charging and longer life span than traditional electrolytic batteries.
• Graphene oxide (GO) membranes can be used to filter common salt from seawater.
• Other potential applications of graphene include sensors, personalised healthcare and medicine (drug delivery etc.), making tennis racquets etc.
• It is also used in lubricants, paints, functional fluids etc.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Graphene’:

1. It has good electrical conductivity

2. It is harder than diamond

3. It is widely used in making solar cells

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer