New graphene-based material may revolutionise electronics

By Areeb Hasni Apr 28th, 2012 ( 1 Comment )

Washington: Researchers have come up with the most transparent, lightweight and flexible material ever for conducting electricity.

The material, called GraphExeter, could revolutionise the creation of wearable electronic devices, such as clothing containing computers, phones and MP3 players.

GraphExeter could also be used for the creation of computerised mirrors or windows. Since this material is also transparent over a wide light spectrum, it could enhance by more than 30 per cent the efficiency of solar panels.

At just one-atom-thick, graphene is the thinnest substance capable of conducting electricity. It is very flexible and is one of the strongest known materials.

The adaptation to grapheme may lead to flexible electronics. This has been a challenge because of its sheet resistance, which limits its conductivity.

“GraphExeter could revolutionise the electronics industry. It outperforms any other carbon-based transparent conductor used in electronics and could be used for a range of applications, from solar panels to ‘smart’ tee shirts,” lead researcher, University of Exeter engineer Dr Monica Craciun said.

“We are very excited about the potential of this material and look forward to seeing where it can take the electronics industry in the future,” Dr Craciun added.

The study has been published in the journal Advanced Materials, a leading journal in materials science.