The future that graphene built

[knowablemag]

https://www.knowablemagazine.org/article/technology/2019/graphene-2d-materials

[joe_the_user]

So graphene has been around "forever" (since 2003), has a tone of promised applications including restarting Moore's Law and has never worked out. Anyone know if the applications appearing now mean this is real?

[ajuc → joe_the_user]

If you can make pure graphene in uniform, big sheets - I will buy any amount. There's plenty of applications.

The problem is we can only make small pieces. It's like trying to sell shredded paper when people want something to write on.

[Engineering-MD → joe_the_user]

Graphene has always had loads of applications, but I understand it the main issue is reliable manufacturing. There are too many imperfections or way too high cost which limits application.

[bransonf]

> Some also worry that long carbon nanotubes could harm the lungs since they have been shown to have some chemical resemblance to asbestos.

So you’re telling me, there really probably is no place for graphene in consumer products... shocker.

[bariswheel]

Graphene has done everything except exit the lab. /obligatory

[Ygg2 → bariswheel]

Yeah, if physics taught me anything, it's that road to discovery is straight and obvious.

It's just turtles and four elements. /s

[Causality1]

When investigating a claim of impending scientific revolution, be it graphene, super-batteries, or anything else, always follow the money. If it sounds like they're trying to generate press to get research grants, what they have is cool but not useful. If they've filed patents they actually have something.

[johncolanduoni → Causality1]

Well, they’ve filed a LOT of patents: https://patents.google.com/?q=Graphene&oq=Graphene

[zozbot234 → Causality1]

> not useful

...Yet. The point of basic research is not to generate patents.