The New Super Material

摘要

Professors Andre Geim and Kostys Novoselov were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2010. This was for their pioneering work at the university which led them six years previously to use Scotch tape to peel away layers of carbon from a piece of graphite to form the world's thinnest material comprising a two-dimensional film of single atom-thick graphene. In comparison with other materials, it is the strongest, has the highest level of electrical and thermal conductivity and electron mobility, is the stiffest and the most stretchable in crystal form and is completely impermeable. As a printed electronic material it can be used in displays, photovoltaics, lighting and batteries while in coatings its potential applications range from protection from corrosion to functionalities exploiting its conductivity and flexibility.