CARBON L TE
Graphene is pure carbon in the form of a very thin, nearly transparent sheet, one atom thick.
Graphene is a newly discovered 2-D material with a number of mechanical and electrical applications. It’s a high electrical and thermal
conductor, stronger than steel and relatively elastic. Graphene has theoretically been studied since 1947 as a text book example for
calculations, but only successfully extracted from graphite in 2004 at the University of Manchester, UK by Russian born teachers
Andre Geim and Kostya Novoselov.
Graphene is so amazing and so
impressive, some scientists call it a
miracle material.
Mechanical Properties:
The carbon–carbon bond length (carbon–carbon bond is
a covalent bond between two carbon atoms) in graphene is
about 0.142 nanometres.
It is extremely light but very strong, if compared to a sheet of
steel of the same size.
It is elastic, being able to retain its shape after going under
intense strain.
Current Applications:
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Optical Electronics
Biological engineering
Ultrafiltration
Energy Saving cells
Energy storage (Batteries)
Future Applications:
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Eliminate the use of metals in OLEDs used in display
screens. It will reduce energy needed to power OLEDs
as well as reduce costs and make them more recyclable.
Put in transformers used in battery chargers to increase
the speed of charging batteries or cell phones.
Use in water treatment to help filter water and make it
more cleaner and drinkable, including salt water.
Use graphene in batteries to make them last longer by
using less energy to conduct.
Use to build chassis’ and bodies of future cars to make
them lighter, but far more stronger and durable in a car
accident.
Use to build the body of airplanes that can reach high
altitudes but use less fuel.
Light weight gas tanks
The lightest solid ever
developed: Graphene
Aerogel
Electrical properties:
Carbon atoms have four outer shell electrons, each chemically
bonding to the next atom. However, graphene only bonds three of its
four electrons on the 2D plane, leaving one available in the 3D plane
for electronic conductivity. These freely moving atoms are called Pi
electrons and are located above and below the graphene sheet. When
the orbitals overlap the help enhance the carbon-carbon bonds.
We chose Graphene because it is a new material
with endless possibilities. It will change the
future technology of the world with its amazing
molecular structure and range of uses.
Left: Professors Andre Geim (left)
and Kostya Novoselov
Graphene - Strongest material BUT still bendable !
It conducts heat and electricity way better than any other substance.
Conclusions: Bibliography:
http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/physics/laureates/2010/advanced-physicsprize2010.pdf
http://www.graphene.manchester.ac.uk/explore/the-top-graphene-facts/
http://www.graphenea.com/pages/graphene-properties#.VAiDQ_mSyM4
Poster Done By:
Tracy Basch
Gabriella De Giovanni
Edenvale High School
Mrs. A Smit