Graphene: Hitting the Mass Markets with New Applications
As of August 2023, graphene has not yet achieved widespread mass-market adoption, but it is steadily making significant advancements in various industries. This article explores the current status and promising applications of graphene and highlights the potential future developments.
Electronics
One of the notable areas in which graphene is being explored is electronics. Graphene's exceptional electrical conductivity makes it an ideal candidate for use in transistors, sensors, and flexible electronics. Several companies are currently developing graphene-based touchscreens and components for smartphones.
A tiny component can revolutionize the future of portable devices by enhancing their performance and efficiency, making them more durable and flexible.
Composite Materials
Graphene is also being integrated into polymers, metals, and ceramics to enhance their strength, durability, and conductivity. This application is particularly promising in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment. By enhancing these materials, graphene can contribute to lighter, stronger, and more efficient products, potentially reducing costs and improving sustainability.
Energy Storage
Another area where graphene is making significant strides is in energy storage. It is being researched for use in batteries and supercapacitors, with the potential to improve energy density and charging times. Although some prototypes and small-scale products are already being developed, large-scale commercial applications are still not fully realized.
Biomedical Applications
Graphene's unique properties continue to attract attention in the biomedical field. Research is ongoing for its use in drug delivery systems, biosensors, and imaging. While some early-stage products are currently in clinical trials, broad market adoption is yet to be fully realized.
Water Filtration
Graphene oxide membranes are being tested for their potential in desalination and water purification, showing promising results for future commercial applications. This technology can play a significant role in solving water scarcity and improving water quality globally.
Current Market Applications of Graphene
Many applications of graphene are already in use, particularly in the form of graphene-heated products. These include graphene-heated films used in heating clothing, blankets, waist belts, shoulder supports, ski gloves, and more. This is just a small proportion of the graphene-heated applications currently available in the market.
Medical Equipment and Far Infrared Technology
Graphene can also be utilized in medical equipment for its ability to release 6-14μm far infrared light waves. These waves are very close to the far infrared spectrum of the human body, allowing it to resonate with human tissue for effective heat production and pain relief. This technology integrates advanced physical therapy benefits, enhancing the overall functionality of medical devices.
Despite these promising developments, challenges such as production scalability, cost, and regulatory hurdles still present significant barriers to widespread commercial adoption. However, the future looks optimistic, with more applications of graphene emerging beyond its current state of realization.