The “Miracle Material” known as graphene, which was first discovered by scientists Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov in 2004, is finally beginning to live up to its high expectations. Praised for its strength, lightness, and unique electronic properties, graphene has sparked significant interest in the scientific community since its initial announcement. Geim and Novoselov were later awarded the Nobel Physics Prize for their groundbreaking discovery.
After the publication of a roadmap in the journal IP Publishing projecting a potential graphene market worth $5.5 billion by 2027, the material’s potential applications have continued to intrigue researchers and investors alike. A report from the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research, based on 130 analyses, suggests that the graphene market could indeed reach the estimated value.
Far from being a material with limited use, graphene has found applications across a wide range of industries, from electronics to composite materials and even advanced battery technologies. Recent developments include the creation of Belairic graphene at ETH Zurich, which is being explored for use in quantum computers and high-performance batteries by companies like Samsung and Huawei.
One of the most promising applications of graphene lies in its potential to replace steel in composite materials, offering unparalleled strength and lightness. This has significant implications for industries like aviation, where the use of graphene could lead to more fuel-efficient aircraft.
Despite early skepticism and periods of disappointment, graphene is steadily proving its worth and paving the way for innovation in various sectors. However, further research and development efforts are necessary to bring these advancements to fruition, particularly in the realm of cost reduction for large-scale production.