What Is Monolayer Graphene and How Much Does It Cost?
Monolayer graphene, often referred to as single-layer graphene, is a two-dimensional sheet of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. This extraordinary material is celebrated for its unmatched strength, exceptional electrical conductivity, and impressive thermal properties. Monolayer graphene is widely used in industries such as electronics, energy storage, and advanced materials development.
Owing to its unique atomic structure, monolayer graphene exhibits remarkable flexibility and transparency, making it a vital component in cutting-edge applications like flexible displays, supercapacitors, and sensors. As a material in research and development, it continues to revolutionize modern science and technology.
How Much Does Monolayer Graphene Cost?
The Price of Monolayer Graphene: What to Expect
The cost of monolayer graphene varies widely depending on its production method, quality, and application. Below is a general breakdown of pricing categories:
Research-Grade Monolayer Graphene
High-quality monolayer graphene used in research typically costs between $50 and $500 per square centimeter, depending on purity and substrate type. Such graphene is usually grown using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on copper or silicon carbide substrates and is prized for its low defect density and high uniformity.
Commercial-Grade Monolayer Graphene
For industrial applications, commercial monolayer graphene prices range from $1,000 to $5,000 per square meter. These grades are suitable for applications in composite materials, coatings, and flexible electronics. They are often produced on a larger scale and may exhibit slightly higher defect levels than research-grade graphene.
Large-Area Monolayer Graphene
Graphene sheets with large surface areas can cost upwards of $10,000 per square meter, especially when tailored for applications such as transparent conductive films and advanced semiconductor devices.
Factors Influencing Monolayer Graphene Prices
Several key factors affect the pricing of monolayer graphene, including:
1. Production Method
The method used to produce graphene has a significant impact on cost. CVD-grown graphene, which offers high quality and scalability, is more expensive than mechanically exfoliated graphene, which is primarily used for research.
2. Substrate Type
Graphene grown on specialty substrates, such as sapphire or silicon carbide, tends to cost more than that grown on copper foils due to the higher material costs and processing complexity.
3. Quality Metrics
Key quality metrics such as defect density, layer uniformity, and electrical conductivity greatly influence pricing. High-performance applications demand graphene with superior properties, which increases costs.
4. Application and Demand
As monolayer graphene finds new applications in high-tech industries, demand continues to grow, influencing its market price. Applications in aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors often command higher-grade materials.
Is Monolayer Graphene Worth the Investment?
The decision to invest in monolayer graphene depends on your project’s requirements and objectives. Its unmatched properties can significantly enhance the performance of your product or research. However, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits against the associated costs and ensure the material fits your budget and application needs.
Why Choose GrapheneRich for Monolayer Graphene?
At GrapheneRich, we specialize in sourcing high-quality monolayer graphene tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re working on cutting-edge research or scaling up production, our expert team ensures you receive the best materials at competitive prices.
Contact us today to learn more about our monolayer graphene offerings and how they can empower your next innovation.