GRAPHENE now has a role as a nano-technology platform for the development of molecule-based electronic components.
Researchers at the Nano-Science Centre at the University of Copenhagen can now chemically produce large flakes of graphene.
Graphene is 200 times stronger than steel, a good electrical conductor, and is a single atom layer thick.
The large graphene flakes can be used as components in a new technology platform within molecule-based electronics.
Molecular electronics is the basis for nanotechnology, and involves replacing traditional electrical components with molecules. However, the small scale of this undertaking has created problems, such as components short-circuiting when the molecules were contacted with electrodes.
Graphene promises to be the answer, since the flakes can be placed on top of the molecules, protecting the system from short circuits. This opens the path for molecule-based memory, displays and solar cells.