About Graphene

Graphene is a carbon allotrope consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice.

Graphene is a two-dimensional sheet of carbon atoms with unique electrical and physical properties. Since its discovery in 2004 by Nobel Prize winners Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov [1], research has shown that graphene is the lightest, strongest, most electrically conductive substance on earth. To date, more than 53,000 graphene technology patents have been filed [2]. Graphene’s exceptional properties will revolutionise everyday products such as batteries, sensors, water purification systems and it will be used to create smart devices and structures.

In his book, “The Fourth Industrial Revolution”,[3] Klaus Schwab (Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum) identifies the paradigm shift to engineered materials as being a key innovation of Industry 4.0. “With attributes that seemed unimaginable a few years ago, new materials are coming to market. Overall, they are lighter, stronger, recyclable and adaptive. When graphene becomes price competitive, it could significantly disrupt the manufacturing and infrastructure industries.”

[1] Geim AK, Novoselov KS (2007) Nature Materials, 6: 183-191

[2] Yang, X.; Yu, X.; Liu, X. Obtaining a Sustainable Competitive Advantage from Patent Information: A Patent Analysis of the Graphene Industry. Sustainability 2018, 10, 4800.

[3] Schwab, K., “The Fourth Industrial Revolution”, 2017, London, United Kingdom: Penguin Books Ltd. pp. 1-192.

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