molecules of graphene, an innovative material

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Research carried out in the last few years have led to the development of new smart and sustainable materials. That is the case with graphene, known as the "material of the future," because of its multiple applications in different sectors. It's a material with great potential, useful in many and very diverse processes, that range from the manufacture of smartphones to the construction of solar panels. 

What is graphene?

Are graphite and graphene the same? This is a very common question, but there are differences between both:

Graphene is a material that is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon, one of the most important elements in nature and which we find in daily objects like the lead of a pencil.

Graphene stands out for being tough, flexible, light, and with a high resistance. It's calculated that this material is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.

With these properties, graphene has applications in the energy, construction, health, and electronics sectors. For instance, magnetic graphene could transform this electronics industry by making devices more comfortable and accessible for everyone. 

Uses and applications of graphene

The scientific community is keeping its 'eyes' on graphene, as it could completely change the way we relate to technology. And not just that, it could also represent significant advances in different sectors.

energy efficiency label on a smartphone

Graphene in the energy sector

The use of graphene in the manufacturing of rechargeable batteries could be a great leap towards energy efficiency. This material would prevent devices overheating, so they would be tougher and lighter.

Applied to different materials in our homes, it could contribute to a better thermal regulation of the home and a saving in the air conditioning of spaces. For example, using paint with graphene.

Lastly, and with a much more ambitious outlook, it's believed that this innovation could be a turning point in the renewable energy sector as the use of this material could generate much more energy than is produced today.

facade of half-built building

Graphene in construction

The use of graphene applied to construction promises to improve the insulation of buildings. And not just that, but they could be more resistant to corrosion, dampness, and fire, and therefore tougher and more sustainable.

Construction materials would be perfected and eco-friendly components would be used, such as "green concrete," an eco-efficient material that is more sustainable and resistant than the current one.

joining between bones

Graphene in health

The applications of graphene in the health and medicine sectors are also fascinating. Thanks to the properties of graphene, stronger, more flexible, and lighter hearing aids could be developed. We could even be speaking about making bones and muscles that would be introduced through surgical operations.

Still in the research phase, it's believed that graphene oxide could be a good ally in the diagnosis of diseases and their subsequent treatment. This is an element that's obtained when graphene is oxidized, converting it into a material with extraordinary mechanical properties.

motherboard with graphene microchips

Graphene in electronics

The characteristics of graphene could change the electronics sector completely. With the application of this material, smaller, lighter, tougher, and more efficient devices could be manufactured, impossible to obtain with the components that are used today.

Furthermore, graphene applied to electronic circuits would make devices ‘immune’ to dampness, one of the main causes of deterioration. In addition, it has excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, which is 1,000 times better than that of copper.