Graphene one step closer to commercial use
Graphene's high electron mobility and thermal conductivity combined with strength and flexibility promise exciting capabilities for organic light-emitting displays (OLEDs) and energy storage devices. However, the commercialisation of this 'miracle material' seems to be limited by several factors, including large-scale synthesis and interactions with the environment that degrade its intrinsic properties. Spurred by the potential of nano-structuring graphene, scientists initiated the EU-funded project 'Graphene for nanoscaled applications' (GRENADA). Their research efforts were directed towards tailoring its structural, electrical, optical and mechanical properties on the nanoscale, and succeeded in growing large-area, single-crystal wafer-scale graphene. In the past, graphene could only be synthesised in small crystals. While these were enough for researchers to test its properties and understand the tantalising benefits of the material, they were not sufficient for mass commercial use. But with the research work of GRENADA scientists, a groundbreaking synthesis method of producing graphene has been developed. Most traditional synthesis methods require very high temperatures. GRENADA researchers demonstrated graphene growth at lower temperatures in line with industrial processing conditions. Growth was validated on metal films of sizes up to 200 mm at temperatures as low as 600 degrees Celsius. In addition, they demonstrated controlled growth on nano-structured substrates as well as synthesis of dispersed graphene oxide in water solution. Project scientists did not only focus on generic synthesis but also on targeted materials preparation for OLEDs, supercapacitors and batteries. Specifically, they have synthesised thin films of graphene with resistivity as low as 135 ohms per square and optical transparency well-suited to display applications. The team fabricated functional battery test cells with reduced graphene oxide, and validated supercapacitor test vehicles exhibiting equivalent performance to commercial ones. GRENADA technology is expected to accelerate the commercialisation of graphene, which could unlock the next era of consumer devices. It will have an important impact on consumer electronics, lighting, energy storage devices and even flexible solar cells. In addition, independence from scarce mineral resources will help conserve natural resources and protect the environment.
Keywords
Graphene, carbon, electronic components, energy storage, nanoscaled applications
