Graphene Valley

Missouri S&T’s Peer to Peer Volume 1 | Issue 1 Article 6 February 2016 Graphene Valley Daniel Applebaum Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/peer2peer Part of the Computer Sciences Commons, and the Hardware Systems Commons Recommended Citation Applebaum, Daniel. 2016. "Graphene Valley." Missouri S&T’s Peer to Peer 1, (1). https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/peer2peer/vol1/iss1/6 This Article - Journal is brought to you for free and open access by Scholars' Mine. It has been accepted for inclusion in Missouri S&T’s Peer to Peer by an authorized administrator of Scholars' Mine. This work is protected by U. S. Copyright Law. Unauthorized use including reproduction for redistribution requires the permission of the copyright holder. For more information, please contact . Applebaum: Graphene Valley Graphene Valley S&T’s Peer to Peer: An Undergraduate Research Journal (Vol 1; Issue 1 – 2016) Applebaum 1 Graphene Valley Daniel Applebaum Missouri University of Science and Technology Silicon Valley in northern California is the proverbial hub of technological innovation and industry. Its namesake derives from the fact that silicon acts as the main component in modern electronics; however, a new material called graphene is challenging its role. In its early years of research, it was evident that the qualities of graphene far exceeded expectations. Industries are going mad trying to come up with applications and consumer products. While headway has been made, it is hard to say how long it will take to see products advertising their new graphene capabilities. Before touch screens or graphene-based microprocessors can become a reality, consumers must be ready to leave silicon behind. Will graphene become a defining substance in innovative technology? The answer lies in how willing society is to accept graphene as an electronically superior material. If the rise of this material continues, do not be surprised if “Graphene Valley” becomes the new home of technological start-up companies. Where Does Graphene Come From? Graphene is collected by scraping graphite, the material commonly used in number two pencils. Since it is one atom thick, it is classified as a 2-D material. The hexagonal structure allows electrons to be positioned in such a way that makes it an excellent electric and thermal conductor (Chiappetta, 2014). Even more to its credit, graphene is 300 times stronger than steel. It is perfect for electronics, because it operates at higher frequencies and does not overheat. This technological age is in constant demand of faster and safer products, so it is difficult to ignore graphene as an answer to these problems, given all Published by Scholars' Mine, 2016 1 Missouri S&T’s Peer to Peer, Vol. 1, Iss. 1 [2016], Art. 6 Graphene Valley S&T’s Peer to Peer: An Undergraduate Research Journal (Vol 1; Issue 1 – 2016) Applebaum 2 of its outstanding properties. In order to make graphene accessible to the industry, an efficient method of production needs to be established. The first isolated layer of graphene was collected simply using graphite and adhesive tape (Blandford, 2014). Since then, the process of chemical vapor deposition has proven to be the most successful method. Researchers theorize various future applications, even biomedical capabilities. For instance, it could revolutionize synthetic organs and prosthetic limbs or be woven into clothing to make the wearer a walking Wi-Fi hotspot (Blandford, 2014). This is done by creating “highly flexible graphene fibers that can be woven into smart textiles” (Jiang, 2012). Although it seems like graphene is infallible, it is important to understand that there are still unknown factors preventing it from skyrocketing to the top of the electronic material world. Graphene Challenges This nanomaterial has not been around for very long. Some may argue that it is still in its research and development phase. Graphene has proven success in many disciplines, but the bottom line is that the transition into large-scale manufacturing is new and dangerous territory. Industries must be careful in the applications they choose to produce because they might come across roadblocks in their work. There may be solvents that affect the conductivity of graphene, or the nano-toxicity from skin contact could, “get into the human cell and disrupt its normal functioning,” (ParisTech, 2013). These are just a few examples of dangers observed in large-scale applications. Unfortunately, society chooses to accept these roadblocks and shortcomings as conclusive evidence that graphene will fail as a material. The same trends of disappointment have been observed in carbon nanotubes, one of the earliest utilizations of graphene. Just because carbon nanotubes failed as an application, it does not mean graphene will meet the same fate. The products that companies choose to manufacture will ultimately decide how large of a role graphene must take on. Despite the optimism surrounding graphene based electronics, it is unlikely https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/peer2peer/vol1/iss1/6 2 Applebaum: Graphene Valley Graphene Valley S&T’s Peer to Peer: An Undergraduate Research Journal (Vol 1; Issue 1 – 2016) Applebaum 3 that we will see graphene microprocessors for another 20 years (Geim & Novoselov, 2007). Until then, consumer products must get society to believe in this material. This can be done by making sure these products cheap, user-friendly, and innovative. Graphene on the Rise The National Graphene Institute is the leading research facility backed by public and private funding. There are similar institutes popping up everywhere graphene is accessible. The study of graphene is fleeting all over the globe, yet there are many people who have never heard of it. It is time for our world to realize the potential of this material and the revolutionary impact it will have in the scientific community. Once the new generation of innovators is taught to work with it, it will become more and more ubiquitous. So why is society so hesitant to leave silicon behind? The uncertainties surrounding this material scare the consumer, but given time and patience, the validity of this super substance will be proven. For those who want to join and support this revolution, keep a look out for the location of the first “Graphene Valley”. Published by Scholars' Mine, 2016 3 Missouri S&T’s Peer to Peer, Vol. 1, Iss. 1 [2016], Art. 6 Graphene Valley S&T’s Peer to Peer: An Undergraduate Research Journal (Vol 1; Issue 1 – 2016) Applebaum 4 References Blandford, J. (2014). “Graphene” To Replace Silicon For 21st Century Technology. Newegg Chiappetta, M. (2014). Graphene is the Super Substance that could replace Silicon, Plastic, and Glass. PCWorld, Geim, A., Novoselov K. (2007). The rise of graphene. Nature. Retrieved March 6, 2015, from Is graphene to replace silicon? (2013, September 30). ParisTech Review Jiang, C., et al. (2012). Facile fabrica (...truncated)