Dr Dan Li of the Department of Materials Engineering at Monash University has worked along with his research team to study graphene that could pave the way for ultra-fast energy storage equipment.
Graphene is tough, chemically stable, has a highly conductive nature and a high surface area. Dr Li stated that graphene could be used to charge iPhone in a matter of seconds, or possibly quicker.
Graphene sheets
Graphene evolves from breaking down graphite into layers of one atom thickness. It exhibits extraordinary properties in this form. He explained that the key limitation of graphene, stacked into a macrostructure, is that it quickly bonds to reform into graphite. When graphene rearranges, the surface area reduces and there is a significant change in the behavior of the material.
The team found that the key to retaining the extraordinary properties of individual graphene sheets is by using water. Graphene is kept moist, in the form of a gel that causes repulsive forces between the graphene sheets, which helps to avoid re-stacking, thus making it suitable for practical application.
Dr Li stated that this is an extremely simple method and can be even done at a larger scale.. They took two fundamental, cost-effective materials such as graphite and water to manufacture this nanomaterial with remarkable properties. Graphene gel used in energy equipment is superior to carbon-based technology, in terms of the speed at which charges are emitted and the quantity of charge stored.
Dr Li stated that this new nanotechnology can be used in areas other than consumer electronics also. He added that graphene gel has a lot of potential in biomedical equipment, water purification membranes, and sensors.