#graphene

(Nanowerk News) University of Arizona researchers have demonstrated a promising new application for graphene nanoribbons, a nanoscale semiconductor material with the potential to withstand extreme environments. The team's findings could help clear a key hurdle to bringing fusion energy to the electric grid. For the proof-of-concept study, published in the journal (ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, "Electrical and Structural Response of Nine-Atom-Wide Armchair Graphene Nanoribbon Transistors to Gamma Irradiation"), the researchers integrated the nanoribbons, known as GNRs, into semiconductor devices and exposed them to gamma radiation. Their results suggest that the ribbons could serve as radiation sensors for fusion reactors and in deep space, where intense radiation challenges existing technologies and close monitoring of material degradation could help keep critical systems operating reliably.

These graphene experts are trying to close the reproducibility gap in 2D materials research

Too much work on graphene and related materials cannot be repeated—a problem that wastes time and holds back commercialization. New rules could help solve it

Ever since graphene’s debut in 2004, this atom-thin sheet of carbon has been touted as a revolutionary material because of its remarkable strength and electrical conductivity, as well as other outstanding properties. Its discovery triggered a wave of other 2D materials—including hexagonal boron nitride and molybdenum disulfide—many of which could serve as components in electronic devices. But these materials can be difficult to work with; even minor variations in lab conditions can affect their properties. Researchers often find that results produced by another lab cannot be replicated in their own. Some believe that this “reproducibility gap” is slowing the translation of 2D materials into applications—a process known as technology transfer. “We can’t say we are working in a serious way on tech transfer if at the same time we’re not doing proper work on reporting and transparency,” says Peter Bøggild, who researches 2D materials at the Technical University of Denmark.

A new research report is adding another piece to a larger scientific puzzle, and the important part is not the drama of the finding but the practical work it could make possible. For readers, the useful question is what the research changes: whether it gives scientists a cleaner measurement, a better tool, or a result strong enough for other teams to test. Continue reading Twisted graphene…

Machine learning proves that graphene is hydrophobic

For more than a decade, a fundamental mystery has surrounded graphene—the one-atom-thick "wonder material" known for its exceptional strength, conductivity, and transparency. Despite its seemingly simple structure, one basic question has remained unresolved: Does graphene attract water, or repel it? The answer has proven surprisingly elusive. In some experiments, water droplets bead up on graphene, suggesting a hydrophobic (water-repellent) surface. In others, water spreads out, implying hydrophilic (water-attracting) behavior. This contradiction has fueled a long-running scientific debate and created uncertainty for applications such as desalination membranes, hydrogen fuel cells, and nanoelectronic devices, where precise control of water at interfaces is essential.

Our future spacecrafts will be made of Graphene Aerogel because it is strong and light. Dr Maggie Lieu @SpaceMog tells us about transparent Lightsails. Flying through space by beaming a focused light ray to the Graphene Aerogel Lightsail. Maggie explains that the Graphene Aerogel LightSail doesn’t need to be big to catch the sunlight. No, it sounds like she is saying a laser pen light is what…