The more one investigates graphene the more optimistic one becomes. Graphene and CNTs (of which products are beginnning to be fabricated — see nanocomp tech) hold almost unimaginable promise. Indeed, for those old enough to hare enjoyed (and can still remember) Arthur C. Clarke’s visions of the future, these ‘high carbon’ technologies are the critical prerequisites.

Most of the research focus to date has been on electronic properties, especially for IT applications. And that is probably appropriate, given the resources available and financial stakes associated with replacing silicon. Yet the emphasis of applications will likely change, and more than once, as new products emerge to serve more markets.

For example: your article addresses automobiles, which could be several times as strong and safe, yet weight less than half of current vehicles. Those same qualities apply to aircraft, ships, trains, etc., and, yes, spacecraft.

And then there are the broad, less spectacular applications, such as windows that double both as lights (with graphene luminescence) and power generators (with graphene solar PV receptors), etc. ad infinitum.

It’s going to be interesting.

Cheers, Chris

The more one investigates graphene the more optimistic one becomes. Graphene and CNTs (of which products are beginnning to be fabricated — see nanocomp tech) hold almost unimaginable promise. Indeed, for those old enough to hare enjoyed (and can still remember) Arthur C. Clarke’s visions of the future, these ‘high carbon’ technologies are the critical prerequisites.

Most of the research focus to date has been on electronic properties, especially for IT applications. And that is probably appropriate, given the resources available and financial stakes associated with replacing silicon. Yet the emphasis of applications will likely change, and more than once, as new products emerge to serve more markets.

For example: your article addresses automobiles, which could be several times as strong and safe, yet weight less than half of current vehicles. Those same qualities apply to aircraft, ships, trains, etc., and, yes, spacecraft.

And then there are the broad, less spectacular applications, such as windows that double both as lights (with graphene luminescence) and power generators (with graphene solar PV receptors), etc. ad infinitum.

It’s going to be interesting.

Cheers, Chris