Graphene is a one-atom-thick sheet of carbon that has many unusual properties, including being strong and flexible.
The potential benefits of graphene technology in construction are wide-ranging and include improved fire performance, reduced noise and vibration, and improved thermal and acoustic insulation. In consumer electronics, graphene can be used for faster and more efficient electronic circuits and for creating thinner and more flexible screens. Its potential applications in wearable products, such as shoes and clothes, are even more diverse, as graphene can be used for both flexible and stiffer materials.
The discovery of graphene was a surprise, as it only occurs in small amounts in natural materials like graphite. It was first isolated and studied in 2004 by a group of researchers at the University of Manchester in the UK. Today, graphene is being developed for a wide range of applications in industry and beyond, and its potential benefits are only beginning to be realized.
