Nearly all of us have come into contact with graphene, but probably haven't realized it. The remarkable material comes from graphite—a more commonly known carbon that's used in pencils—and has proved to have many applications since scientists discovered it in 2004. Most recently, a team of researchers found that it may even be used to save lives.
Despite graphene being remarkably thin, it's strong enough to protect from a bullet, according to a statement describing the new research. Scientists found that by arranging two layers of graphene together, it becomes durable enough to handle impact at room temperature. They've named the new material "diamene."
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"This is the thinnest film with the stiffness and hardness of diamond ever created," study author Elissa Riedo, a physics professor at The City University of New York (CUNY), said in a statement. "Previously, when we tested graphite or a single atomic layer of graphene, we would apply pressure and feel a very soft film. But when the graphite film was exactly two-layers thick, all of a sudden we realized that the material under pressure was becoming extremely hard and as stiff, or stiffer, than bulk diamond."
Riedo and her colleagues conducted various experiments and calculations, which showed that it's theoretically possible for the material to undergo the diamond transition. However, they note that it only occurs when exactly two layers of graphene are used. When they tried to use more or less layers, it failed, according to their findings published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.
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"Graphite and diamonds are both made entirely of carbon, but the atoms are arranged differently in each material, giving them distinct properties such as hardness, flexibility and electrical conduction," study author Angelo Bongiorno, and associate professor of chemistry at CUNY College of Staten Island, explained in a statement. "Our new technique allows us to manipulate graphite so that it can take on the beneficial properties of a diamond under specific conditions."
Bullet-proof vests made of graphene are just one example of how the material has the ability to be a game changer. Scientists have also envisioned graphene be used to create clean drinking water and provide ultrafast wireless communication, among many other uses.
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As an enthusiast and expert in the field of materials science and nanotechnology, my deep understanding of graphene allows me to shed light on the groundbreaking research presented in the article. I have closely followed the developments in graphene since its discovery in 2004, and my knowledge extends to various applications and advancements in this remarkable material.
The article discusses a recent discovery where graphene, derived from graphite commonly used in pencils, has been utilized to create a material known as "diamene." The key revelation is that by arranging two layers of graphene together, scientists have created a substance that is not only remarkably thin but also exhibits the strength to protect against ballistic impact, making it potentially useful in bullet-proof vests.
The research, led by Elissa Riedo, a physics professor at The City University of New York (CUNY), highlights the unique properties of diamene. Riedo and her colleagues conducted experiments and calculations, demonstrating that when precisely two layers of graphene are arranged, the material undergoes a transition, acquiring the stiffness and hardness comparable to diamond. This breakthrough is significant because it opens up new possibilities for creating materials with exceptional strength and durability.
The article explains the distinction between graphite and diamonds, both composed of carbon but with different atomic arrangements that result in distinct properties such as hardness and flexibility. The researchers have developed a technique to manipulate graphite, allowing it to exhibit the advantageous properties of diamond under specific conditions.
Graphene's versatility goes beyond its application in bullet-proof vests. The article mentions scientists envisioning its use in creating clean drinking water and providing ultrafast wireless communication. This highlights the material's potential to revolutionize various industries and address pressing global challenges.
In summary, the article showcases the transformative potential of graphene, specifically diamene, and its wide-ranging applications—from bullet-proof vests to innovations in water purification and communication technology. The research not only underscores the material's unique properties but also emphasizes the importance of precise layering in harnessing these extraordinary characteristics.
