Understanding Graphene Powder
Overview: There is no precise international definition for graphene yet. In 2004, scientists Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov from the University of Manchester discovered graphene. Their outstanding research on graphene powder earned them the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics. Initially, graphene referred to a single-layer, two-dimensional material composed of carbon atoms, but later studies revealed that two-layer, three-layer, and even ten-layer structures also exhibit unique electrical properties.
Graphene powder has a very special structure at the atomic scale, which requires relativistic quantum physics to describe. It has an extremely stable structure with no carbon atom vacancies discovered so far. The connections between the atoms are very flexible. When subjected to mechanical force, the surface bends and deforms without needing to rearrange the atoms, maintaining structural stability. This stable lattice structure gives it excellent conductivity. Electrons moving in the orbit do not scatter due to lattice defects or the introduction of foreign atoms. Because of the strong interactions, collisions at room temperature do not affect it.
Flake graphite materials with fewer than ten layers are defined as graphene, gradually gaining academic recognition. Graphene is a “super material” that, when added to other materials, produces magical effects. It is incredibly thin yet strong and has better thermal conductivity than any other material.
Scientists can develop a series of new materials with special properties due to graphene’s low resistivity and fast electron migration speed. This makes it promising for developing thinner and faster conductive chips, potentially replacing silicon. Its inherent transparency and excellent conductivity make it suitable for manufacturing transparent touch screens, light panels, and even solar cells. High-quality capacitors and chips are global research focuses and are pivotal in the future revolution of graphene powder.
Practical graphene products can be divided into films and powders. Various methods exist for laboratory preparation, but two main methods are used for mass production: one involves growing single-layer, large-area graphene on metal surfaces using chemical vapor deposition; the other involves crushing natural graphite into graphene powder through physical or chemical methods. The resulting powder looks like very fine black dust. Domestic production of graphene powder and films has reached mass production capabilities, with widespread industrial applications expected to follow soon.
As a high-tech material, graphene powder’s production process heavily relies on research, technology, and equipment, with minimal labor costs involved in the manufacturing process.