Autonomous energy sources remain a stumbling block in the modern world of electronic devices, and rarely any gadget can withstand more than a day in full "combat readiness" mode. But with the advent of graphene batteries, the situation could change dramatically.
Graphene composition and capabilities
Graphene is a material that saw the light of day back in 2004. Even then, the scientists who received it knew about the most important parameter of graphene - its high electrical conductivity. Unfortunately, the amount of knowledge about the new, innovative material, which made a breakthrough in science, was not enough for its introduction into wide industry.
Graphene Is a thin film of carbon, which has a stable structure due to its connection with some kind of dielectric (most often - an oxide). For the manufacture of this material does not require too expensive production lines, and he itself is in such quantities around that it can soon turn the world of autonomous power supplies.
The main benefits of graphene
The advantages of a completely new material are so numerous that minor flaws against this background simply fade away.
- High strength. A graphene sheet, less than one millimeter thick, is 200 times stronger than the same high-carbon steel sheet.
- Light weight. If you make a sheet of this material, no more than 1 mm thick and 1 m2 in area, then its weight will be less than 1 gram.
- Low cost recovery. Even after critical damage, graphene products can be quickly repaired with minimal costs.
- High electrical conductivity. Also, graphene batteries are capable of not only conducting but also generating electricity.
- Environmentally friendly structure.
Another important property of graphene is the ability to charge quickly when the capacity drops to almost zero. An invaluable advantage, especially in the automotive industry.
Where is graphene used?
The material is unique, inexpensive and relatively easy to obtain, and has become popular in the design and manufacture of rechargeable batteries today. The best institutes in Spain and Germany are engaged in intensive study of the useful properties of graphene and the combination of this material with some types of polymers.
The result: high-capacity batteries that can be fully charged in eight minutes. At the same time, such batteries are not afraid of short circuits, and during charging, no harmful and flammable gas appears.
The first prototypes showed excellent results in terms of capacity, not less than 5 times the capacity of standard batteries. The cost of such a power source, with all the costs of its production, is 75-77% cheaper than lithium-ion models.
In the future, it is planned to conquer such important industries as the creation of aerospace shuttles and the design of microprocessor elements by graphene. Many companies are already investing quite impressive funds in the development of this material.