Graphene is going to change the world. It’s a non toxic substance composed of carbon atoms (basically a single atomic layer of graphite), and it is harder than a diamond, more conductive than copper, more flexible than rubber, essentially transparent, and its aerogel is the lightest material engineered thus far.

 

 

According to Columbia University mechanical engineering professor and early graphene researcher James Hone, it is so strong it would take an elephant, balanced on a pencil, to break through a sheet of graphene the thickness of plastic wrap.

 

 

Here’s some of the things we’re gonna use it for:

All manner of wiring, electronics, computers, smartphones, medical technologies, revolutionary broadband and solar technologies- even condoms! The Gates Foundation just handed scientists a hundred grand to make them.

Money is being invested in graphene around the world. Britain recently allocated 60 million pounds (93,600,000 dollars) towards graphene research after two physicists at University of Manchester in the UK won the Nobel Prize in Physics for their work in graphene.

 

 

 

Graphene aerogel is basically solid smoke and completely recyclable.

It’s cheap and easy to make too: Scientists in Ireland and the UK just figured out how to make graphene in a kitchen blender. All they had to do was pour powdered graphite (basically pulverized pencil leads) and dish soap into the blender and hit puree.

Good times are coming to planet earth, graphene is one of the reasons why.

 

 

sources:

Fascinating graphene info: http://istep.ifmefector.com/2013/08/22/graphene-the-lightest-material-ever-discovered-is-heavy-on-potential/

Info on graphene and condoms: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-25016994

Info on making graphene in a kitchen blender: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-27113732

More info about graphene aerogel: http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/153063-graphene-aerogel-is-seven-times-lighter-than-air-can-balance-on-a-blade-of-grass