Is Our Future Made Of Graphene?

Where do you imagine the world will be in 20 years? In 40 years? Or how about in the year 3000? The first thing that comes to mind when I think about the possibilities are things like flying cars, or a cell phone as thin as a piece of paper. Some of these things might not be so far into the future. One of the newest tech trends on the market today is a substance called Graphene. Graphene was first discovered or “isolated” in 2004 by two scientist, Prof Andre Geim and Prof Kostya Novoselov, at the University of Manchester. And they even went on to win the Nobel Prize in 2010, six years after it was first isolated.

But what is Graphene?

Graphene is the world’s first 2D material. It is 200 times stronger than steel, -1 million times thinner than a human hair, and the most conductive material in the world. It is only one-atom thick but it can still be seen by the naked eye. This flexible, durable, and semi-transparent material is sure to change the future of technology.

Graphene in Technology

The list goes on and on of what Graphene can do, but some of the most interesting on the list are the possibilities in technology. Wearable and flexible technology is coming. Graphene might well be the founding father of this futuristic technology. Graphene is currently working on developing the next-generation of wearable cell phones, cell phones that you can wrap around your wrist, stretch around your waist, or even fold up and put into your pocket for safe keeping may be in the near future. But the tech doesn’t stop at cell phones; imagine a tv as thin as a sheet of wallpaper or batteries smaller than normal but much more powerful.

Graphene in Sport

Graphene is also working on ways to improve sporting goods. The material is already being used to enhance tennis rackets by creating a rust-free material. But what if graphene could create clothing to keep athletes warm without all the bulky layers worn now? And for me (a non-athlete), what if graphene could also use this technology in fashion so you never have to cover a perfect outfit with a bulky coat?

Graphene in Everyday Life

 The possibilities are endless for graphene and will be seen in everyday life very soon. Some of the applications for this material are:

–solar cells and panels

-transparent, unbreakable, and water resistant screens

–DNA sequencing

-faster technology

-smaller battery size and longer life

-material strengthening and rust eliminating

–water desalination

-sporting goods

-fashion

 But there is so much more in the future of this fascinating discovery!

Chance Keenon is a senior Integrated Marketing Communications student in the Meek School of Journalism & New Media. She can be reached at ebkeenon@go.olemiss.edu.