Graphene To Lead The Way In Development Of The E-skin

Graphene adoption is increasing because it offers greater flexibility than Indium Tin Oxide (ITO). The carbon‐based substance is only one atom thick, making it the thinnest material known. Despite its minimal thickness, tests indicate it is 2 300 times stronger than steel. Studies also show that graphene is considerably less expensive than other conductive materials. ITO is forecast to become scarce by 01/01/2017 and is increasingly costly to procure, thereby prompting research into graphene’s availability, strength, conductivity and thinness as a subject for investment.

Investors are actively seeking access to this development. For example, China controls 70% of the mineral used in its production; consequently, the European Commission has initiated plans to invest £2 000 000 000 in graphene. Research indicates that semiconductor manufacturing processes may be accelerated by a factor of 100 using graphene and that airframe weight could be reduced by approximately 70%. It is anticipated that graphene will facilitate the manufacture of thinner, less expensive and faster electronics that are transparent and flexible. The electronics produced are water‐resistant and can be immersed without loss of performance, while battery lifespans are extended. Devices such as computers and mobile phones manufactured with graphene can be folded and bent. Tests have demonstrated that the material can stretch by around 20% while maintaining electrical conductivity, in contrast to silicon which deforms by only 1%.

Companies including Samsung, Sandisk, IBM and Nokia are investigating methods to develop durable e‐skin for their devices using graphene. Graphene‐based portable devices may achieve battery lifetimes of two to three weeks, thereby permitting users to engage in aquatic activities while wearing them. The material’s stretchability qualifies it for use in wearable technologies. For example, 1 gram of graphene can extend over an area equivalent to more than 28 football pitches. Graphene also enables the production of extremely thin tablets and smartphones that can be folded when not in use. Samsung is researching the manufacture of graphene transistors, which could facilitate wearable devices, flexible displays and other e‐skin applications. Researchers must, however, address the high carbon content in order to achieve environmentally sustainable solutions.