A Piece of Writing of Graphene - Article Example

OF A piece of writing of Graphene Introduction “It is about the smallest one can get, and from the point of view of Physics, Graphene is a goldmine that can be studied for years”. These were the words of joint Nobel Prize for Physics Dr. Konstantin Nouvoselov, who along with Dr. Andre Geim captured the attention of the world in 2010, with their work on Graphene, according to Carmody (2010). The material has been described as a one atom thick film of carbon that possesses strength, flexibility, and electrical conductivity that will change the scientific landscape for years to come, especially in the area of information technology. According to Carmody (2010), Graphene could hold the key from everything from super small computers to high-tech capacity batteries, due to its versatility and strength (Carmody, 2010). The material has been attracting the attention of the material scientist and engineers, because under microscopic examinations, a two dimensional plane of atoms that has been shaved from conventional crystals, has been identified. Its strength and stiffness has been likened to diamond, in that it can be stretched to a quarter of its original length (Carmody, 2010). Production of Graphene Actual production of Graphene took place in 2004, when both Geim and Nouvoselov used adhesive tapes to repeatedly peeled away strips of graphite, until they successfully the isolated a single atomic plane of the material. They then proceed to conduct intense analytical studies on what was perceived to be a possible metal like substance of significant importance, by focusing on its strengths, transparency, and conductive properties, according to Carmody (2010). Moore’s Law, which according to Investopedia (2011), states that the number of transistors per square inch on any integrated circuit doubles each year, was going to be severely challenged regarding its authenticity by this team of researchers, as they set about, and successfully created a 1-Nanometre Graphene, one atom thick, but 10 atoms across. Moore’s law concerning shrinking size and growth speed was therefore greatly stretched by the result, which was achieved in a shorter time than the business executive had postulated (Carmody, 2010). In 2010, a team of research scientist at UCLA, successfully isolated Graphene using a scalable process, whereby they were able to fabricate high speed Graphene transistors that were over 50GHz in capacity, according to Graphene-Info.com (2011). This new approach had used a dielctrophoresis assembly technique, to accurately positioned nanowire gate arrays on large-area chemical vapor deposition-growth Graphene, to facilitate the production of well fabricated high speed transistor arrays that were likened to the Germanium Sulphide process (Graphene-Info.com). Comparatively speaking, the work of the UCLA scientist seems more efficient that that Nobel Laureates who had used a mechanical process that involved pealing, while they used a more sophisticated system that allowed the Graphene to deposit on a glass substrate before complete isolation (Graphene-Info.com, 2011). Relevance of Graphene Graphene, according to Niemeyer (2011) seems set to become a major threat to the silicon industry, based on findings that the one atom thick layer of graphite has carbon atoms that were hexagonally linked within its structure, and had close resemblance to chicken wires. This feature according to Niemeyer (2011) contributed to Graphene having very unusual properties; one of which was the replacement of silicon based high speed electrons (Niemeyer, 2011). Research conducted on Graphene at room temperature s, showed the presence of high electron mobility, which when at high speed is able to move through materials 100 times faster than silicon according to Niemeyer (2011). Graphene-Info.com, a company that is solely dedicated to all development information concerning Graphene, reported that the material can be used in many industries including water purifiers, super capacitors, as well as car batteries, among others (Graphene-Info.com, 2011). Miles Obrien and Jim Lehrer, speaking on PBS in October, 2010, regarding the a Nobel Prize for Physics won by the two Russian Scientist working together at the University of Manchester in England, says the Graphene material discovered by these two preeminent scholars, was transparent, conducts electricity, is 100 time stronger than steel, conducts heat better than copper and is set to revolutionize electronics among other things (PBS NEWSHOUR, 2010). Applications Problems and Solutions When researchers were in the process of using Graphene in the production of integrated circuits, according to Niemeyer (2011), they found the material quite different from conventional semi-conductors; in that it could not structural withstand the processing. The problem was overcome by building a radio frequency mixer (RF); which is a device that does frequency conversion in communication hardware, by using a Graphene field effect transistor (FET) integrated between two inductors, positioned on a silicon carbide based substrate (Niemeyer, 2011). Successful use of Graphene resulted in the production of frequencies as high as 5GHz, with minimal energy loss at extremely high operating temperatures – the normal condition for semi conductors. This was considered a significant achievement and a possible breakthrough for the industry, according to Niemeyer (2011). This development gave the work on Geim and Nouvoselov even greater significance, because Graphene was now in a class of conductors similar to Germanium Sulphide, which had recorded frequency production of 1.95GHz at the low attendant energy losses level of 7dB (Niemeyer, 2011). Miracle Product Alex Hudson of BBC News, asked the searching question whether Graphene was a miracle product or not, but such question is often seen as ridiculous in the scientific community, because there should always physical, chemical, biological, or other answers , for the emergence of a product of this nature (Hudson, A, 2011). Hudson remarks may have come about as a result of the statements made by Professor James Horde of Columbia University, who says that it would take an elephant balanced on a pencil, to breakthrough a sheet of Graphene the thickness of Sarah Wrap (a type of cling film), as well as Professor Andre Geim, who reported that Graphene does not have just one application (Hudson, A., 2011). Geim went on to say that the product was not just one material, but rather a composite that should be looked at in the same way plastic is seen industry wide, as well as carbon fiber in the electronic sector (Hudson, A. 2011) Wherever P.R. Wallace may be today, and if it is possible for him to witness the prominence now given to Graphene, he would most likely beam with great satisfaction and delight. This is because the band structure of graphite was first theorized and calculated by him in 1947, but the scientific community at that time thought it was impossible for such a product to actually exist (Hudson, 2011). It would be interesting to ascertain if Wallace work was the inspiration behind the scientific push in this direction by Geim and Novouselov. Wallace may also have reasons to celebrate, if only posthumously, in that more that 200 scientists are now pursuing research work on Graphene, and there are presently 3000 research papers available for the scientific community to utilized for further explorations and development (Hudson, A. 2011). Advantages of Graphene James Tour of Rice University told Technology Review that the benefits to business and consumers from Graphene discovery and application were, faster and cheaper devices, which will also be thinner and more flexible, to the extent that one could roll up his or her i-phone and affixes it behind one of the ears like a pencil (Hudson, A.2011). Once the technology has been well developed, Hudson believes Graphene will be used in much the same way that plastic has been used. Anything from crisp packets to clothing can be digitalized, and the future could also see credit cards possessing more processing power than what now presently obtains from smart-phones (Hudson, A.2011). Professor Jan Kinaret of Chalmers University in Sweden, reiterates that Graphene can open completely new applications, in transparent electronics, flexible electronics, and electronics that are much faster than today (Hudson, A. 2011). In confirming Geim’ prognosis, Kinaret went further, according to Hudson (2011), to say that going beyond digital applications, Graphene could also find use as a powdered additive in the manufacture of tires. This would result in stronger and sturdier tires being released to the transportation industry, and could result in significant reduction in road accidents, loss of life, as well in increase in the national productivity of many countries. Disadvantages of Graphene It would be naïve to think that that were would be no downsides to the isolation, development and applications of Graphene on the world market. Dr. Avouris of IBM feels that it is rather difficult to imagine Graphene as a replacement for silicon, because the material has no band gaps, which is an essential property for facilitating the switching off periods. This feature is operable in all silicon related production, and as such both products are in different domains, and silicon will not be replaced any time soon on the horizon (Hudson, A. 2011). A possible negative repercussion as a result of the use of Graphene in the manufacture of tires, would be the reduction in the annual sales volume of tire manufacturers, which would in turn negatively affect production, as well as the amount of employees who would that would become unemployed due to downsizing or outsourcing. Graphene emergence as the product of the decade would also reduce the marketability and frequency of use of silicon as a material of choice in the information technology industry, due to its superior physical properties; especially its strength, flexibility and electrical conductivity. The Future The 200 companies that Hudson (2011) mentioned are no doubt positioning themselves for the time when Graphene will take off, so that they can maximize their revenues. Samsung, IBM, and Nokia, according to Hudson (2011), have been making unlimited speed in terms of the research and application of Graphene. Samsung has already produced a 25 inch flexible touch screen using the product, and are poised to deliver dozens more in the next five years, according to Professor Geim, while IBM has already created a 150 GHz transistor, which is more than 3.5 times powerful than what silicon presently delivers (Hudson, A. 2011). Dr. Avouris may be a lonely voice in the wilderness, because even his own company by its action, is not listening, but has gone ahead to position itself for the future success expected to come from this exotic and revolutionary product. Conclusions Graphene is therefore set to impact the global information technology industry and other markets in the same environment, in much the same way that the silicon chip did, and may be even in a greater way, due to the superior and scientifically appealing physical properties. It may be possible that the difficulties expounded by Dr. Avouris may be resolved among the 200 or more research organizations, but the energy saving achieve will be too inviting to ignore for companies intent on remaining relevant, viable and competitive. However, if the actions of IBM, Nokia, and Samsung, the statement by Dr. Geim regarding the composite nature of Graphene, as well as the 3000 research literature generated on the material, are anything to go by, then the future of this novel material, which is still to receive its proper classification, is an extremely bright one, all things considered. Reference 1. PBS NEWSHOUR (2010). Graphene: Nobel Winners Thin, Mighty Material Holds Much Promise SUMMARY MacNeil/Lehrer Productions www.pbs.com/ 06/17/11 2. Graphene-Info.com, (2011). Graphene News and Resources www.graphene-info.com / Web 3. Investopedia (2011). What does Moore’s Law mean? www.investopedia.com/term/m/moore, 06/17/11 Web 4. Hudson, A, (201I). Is Graphene a Metal? BBC News www.bbc.co.uk/2/ht/programmes/click_online/9491769/.stm , 06.17/11 5. Carmody, T. (2010). Why Graphene won the Nobel Prize Gadget LABS www.wired.com/gadjet-labs/2010/10/graphene , 06/17/11 6. Niemeyer, K. (2011). Graphene meet Silicon with conventional Fab Techniques Nobel Intent www.arisletechnica/science/news/2011/06/graphene/-meet-silicon-with-conventional-fab-technique , 05/17/11 7. Read More