By Owais AliReviewed by Lexie CornerApr 26 2024Graphene, characterized by its exceptional conductivity, strength, and versatility, holds the potential to revolutionize various industries such as electronics, energy, and medicine. As a result, investment in graphene has become an increasingly attractive proposition for those seeking to capitalize on the material's transformative capabilities.
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Properties and Potential Applications of Graphene
Graphene is a single layer (one atom thick) of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. This unique structure gives it several remarkable properties, including a large specific surface area (approximately 2600 m²/g), high thermal conductivity (3000–5000 W/mK), enhanced electron mobility (200,000 cm²/Vs), high mechanical strength (1 TPa Young's modulus) and extreme optical transparency (97.4 %).
This extraordinary combination of properties makes graphene a game-changer in various fields. For example, in electronics, graphene nanoribbons can be engineered into high-performance (400 meV band gaps) semiconductors, enabling the development of advanced field-effect transistors. Gaphene's 85–95 % transmittance and superior sheet resistance also position it as an ideal alternative to indium tin oxide in optoelectronic devices.
Graphene coatings significantly enhance corrosion resistance and wear resistance across various metals. For instance, graphene-covered silver films show a 66-fold decrease in corrosion rate, and graphene-coated copper exhibits a 7-fold lower corrosion rate.
Graphene biosensors have high sensitivity in disease detection, from malaria to hepatitis viruses. Its biocompatibility aids bone tissue engineering, promoting stem cell differentiation for bone repair. Graphene-enhanced face masks and coatings also boost antibacterial properties, which are crucial for healthcare settings.
In the energy sector, graphene improves energy storage by reducing lithium dendrite formation in lithium-ion batteries and enhancing cycling stability in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries through graphene-based separators.
Graphene hybrid supercapacitors also demonstrate competitive energy and power densities, retaining 88 % capacity after 10,000 cycles.1
Current Market Landscape and Trends
The graphene market is anticipated to grow to $1.5 billion by 2027, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 20 %. This growth trajectory is driven by the exploration of graphene applications across various industries and strategic investments by niche players and industry giants.
The electronics sector has seen significant advancements in graphene-based technologies, with companies like Paragraf, Graphene Square, and Graphenea leading the charge. Major tech corporations like Samsung and Intel have also dedicated a notable portion of their patent portfolios to graphene innovations.
Although leading graphene suppliers have made significant contributions in the composites sector, graphene integration remains relatively new, with graphene-related patents forming a small fraction of the total. This indicates a vast potential for growth and innovation.
The battery industry, especially in e-mobility, has also shown a keen interest in graphene. While East Asian companies like CATL currently dominate this sector, European companies like Bosch are making notable advancements.
Despite the growing enthusiasm for graphene's potential, the overall penetration of graphene-related patents across these sectors remains relatively low, underscoring the nascent stage of commercialization and application of graphene technology.
However, the targeted investment in research, development, and strategic patent filings by niche specialists and industry giants signals a cautious optimism for the future of graphene.2
Opportunities and Challenges in Graphene Commercialization
Despite graphene's immense potential, its widespread commercialization faces several challenges.
Achieving high-quality graphene at large scales and integrating it into existing manufacturing processes remains a significant hurdle. The material's zero-bandgap electronic structure poses a limitation in the semiconductor industry, making it difficult to switch off graphene-based transistors.3,4
The lack of specific health and safety regulations for graphene and the absence of standardized toxicological investigations introduce uncertainty that can hinder industrial uptake.
The cost of graphene has decreased significantly since its introduction, with prices dropping to a third or a quarter of their initial levels in just two years. However, further cost reduction is essential for wider adoption, especially in applications sensitive to price or requiring large volumes of graphene.3
Irrespective of these challenges, opportunities exist to accelerate graphene commercialization.
Developing intermediate graphene products suitable for industrial applications, optimizing graphene processing for seamless integration into customer products, and targeting niche markets with low adoption barriers can lead to early commercial wins.
Additionally, establishing standardized data on how graphene affects the properties of polymer matrices and other materials is crucial to stimulating industry interest and facilitating commercial deployment.4
Key Factors to Consider for Investment
Investing in graphene requires assessing the current and future demand for graphene-based products, monitoring technological advancements, analyzing the competitive landscape, and staying informed about regulatory developments.
Investors should consider manufacturers' price expectations and implement robust risk management strategies to mitigate this emerging market's inherent volatility and uncertainties.5,6
Case Studies of Successful Graphene Applications
Haydale and Prodive's Collaboration for Next-Gen Composite Tools
Haydale collaborated with Prodrive UK to enhance composite tools by integrating graphene into the resin system. This led to substantial improvements in tooling performance, including extended tool life, cost reduction, enhanced surface quality and tolerance, and minimized thermal expansion mismatch.7
We have been producing duplicate parts with both our standard and the nano-enhanced version and can say with confidence that the Haydale material has delivered more than 500 parts without any deterioration of the mold surface. Using the standard version, we would expect approximately 250 pulls from a tool before it is replaced.
Matt Bradney, Director of Business Development, Prodrive UK 7
Graphene Detailing Car Care Solutions
Similarly, Infinity Wax, a UK-based car care manufacturer, has collaborated with AGM to incorporate graphene nanoplatelet dispersion technology into their detailing products.
This collaboration resulted in the launch of two high-performance car care products: the QDX Graphene Detailing Spray and a Graphene Wax. These products demonstrated superior water beading, sheeting properties, and longer-lasting paint protection due to increased hydrophobicity and superior adhesion, garnering significant customer interest.8
The launch of our second graphene-fortified car care product in less than 12 months was a significant milestone for Infinity Wax. The use of Genable dispersions has allowed us to push the performance of our synthetic wax technology beyond what has previously been possible while also allowing the products to be beginner-friendly with effortless ease of use.
Mike Cipriani, Founder of Infinity Wax8
Risks and Limitations
Despite graphene's promise, researchers highlight uncertainties regarding its potential toxicity. A comprehensive understanding of its safety profile is needed, particularly during production and recycling. Additionally, excessive focus on graphene research poses economic risks, including the possibility of failing to meet high expectations.
While routine risk assessments primarily focus on commercial factors, there is a growing call for comprehensive evaluations that consider all potential impacts of widespread graphene use, including sustainability considerations.9
Future Outlook for Graphene Investment
Investing in graphene offers exciting opportunities driven by its remarkable properties and growing market trends. However, navigating the evolving landscape requires careful consideration of existing hurdles and managing inherent risks.
As research and development progress, graphene technology is expected to become more affordable and easier to produce, driving market expansion and potentially paving the way for a sustainable future for investors and industries.
More from AZoNano: Are Carbon Nanotubes Toxic?
References and Further Reading
- Urade, AR., Lahiri, I., Suresh, KS. (2023). Graphene properties, synthesis and applications: a review. Jom. oi.org/10.1007/s11837-022-05505-8
- Schmaltz, T., Wormer, L., Schmoch, U., Döscher, H. (2024). Graphene Roadmap Briefs (No. 3): meta-market analysis 2023. 2D Materials, 11(2), 022002. doi.org/10.1088/2053-1583/ad1e78
- Michael Berger. (2023). Graphene Explained: A Beginner's Guide to its Properties, Uses, and Potential. [Online] Nanowerk. Available at: https://www.nanowerk.com/what_is_graphene.php
- Zurutuza, A., Marinelli, C. (2014). Challenges and opportunities in graphene commercialization. Nature nanotechnology. doi.org/10.1038/nnano.2014.225
- Johnson, D. (2013). Two Foolish Ways to Invest Your Money in Graphene. [Online] IEEE Spectrum. Available at: https://spectrum.ieee.org/two-foolish-ways-to-invest-your-money-in-graphene
- Johnson, L., Meany, JE. (2018). Mass-Producing Graphene. [Online] American Scientist. Available at: https://www.americanscientist.org/article/mass-producing-graphene
- Haydale. (2024). Increased composite tool life. [Online] Haydale. Available at: https://haydale.com/increased-composite-tool-life/
- AGM. (2024). Pushing the performance of car care technology with graphene nanoplatelets. [Online] AGM. Available at: https://www.appliedgraphenematerials.com/infinity-wax/
- Arvidsson, R., Boholm, M., Johansson, M., de Montoya, ML. (2018). "Just carbon": ideas about graphene risks by graphene researchers and innovation advisors. Nanoethics. doi.org/10.1007/s11569-018-0324-y
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