Mike Rogers, CTO of 1st Graphene is the most viewed writer in Graphene on Quora.com.
Here are some of the recent questions about graphene Mike has answered on Quora:
What happened to the hype about graphene? Is it still a thing?
If you mean companies trying to sell products using the potential for graphene rather than the current real value, there is still a lot of it out there but more and more products with real improvements from using graphene enter the market each month.
It is pretty easy to tell the fakes from the real things. Looking at the type of graphene being used reveals the fakes fairly often. Graphene has a wide array of beneficial characteristics depending on the type of graphene. First it has to be real graphene which means a single atom thick layer of carbon in a hexagonal array. Then you look at the ratio of carbon to oxygen. A low ratio (30:60 -60–30) of carbon to oxygen indicates what is generally referred to as Graphene Oxide (GO). Generally GO is much denser, has more defects and smaller flake size. The next step up is higher levels of carbon to oxygen (65:27–95:3 usually in the 88:7–90:5 range) referred to as Non_Stacked Reduced Graphene Oxide or (NSrGO, rGO, or Graphene Flake). This is less dense, larger flake size is generally produced by chemical or heat reduction of GO with the heat treated having a lower level of impurities. Then there are a variety of ways to treat Graphene to enhance or diminish specific characteristics as needed.
So if the the material used is not single layer it is not graphene. When the type of graphene supposedly being used doesn’t match the type of improvement being sought, it is most likely hype. Some graphene types are better for heat or electrical conductivity others are better for structural strength or ductility. Another give away is the price, real graphene is not cheap. There are exceptions many companies including ours will provide graphene at a low cost or even free if is for an application that has a strong high volume potential when we will have an equity position in the application or some type of profit sharing arrangement.
So don’t be frightened of the hype and don’t expect it to go away. The existence of hype means there is a real value that some people want to use to separate the uninformed from their money. This has always been the case.
Would using graphene/graphite in CPU’s instead of copper make them more powerful?
Using graphene should make them run faster and cooler which could translate as more powerful.
Are nano materials like nanorods or two-dimensional materials a good choice of material for waste heat recovery in high temperature, large scale applications like in power plants or automobiles? Or only conventional bulk semiconductors can be used?
Yes we believe so. We have numerous applications using mono layer GO and rGO that move heat from the heat source very efficiently. We are now working on putting that energy to good use. Many of the existing solutions would be adequate but we believe using Graphene will provide more efficient solutions.
Why hasn’t graphene taken over the world yet?
It has been 15 years since Graphene was first isolated. Since then research has made giant advances in understanding the characteristics and capabilities resulting in numerous commercial applications being made and widely distributed, we are seeing the beginning of a snowball effect with new applications and products coming out weekly.
Where online can I buy a graphene sheet?
What is your application? what size do you need? Contact 1st Graphene
Is graphene a useless or “fad”material?
Absolutely not. Graphene will steadily spread into many facets of life bringing improvements in manufacturing, less pollution, more efficient technology, and an overall improvement in quality life globally.
Can graphene be used to make bulletproof tires?
I would say yes but the way the tires are bullet proof would be different than expected. Because graphene is very strong for its weight and size you could design a tire that is a rolling spring rather than a rolling balloon. So the fact that a balloon tire cannot function if pierced by a bullet and it looses air would no longer be a concern. An added benefit would the reduction in weight yielding lower fuel cost. One more thing they could be designed to be absolutely beautiful.
Why isn’t graphene available yet?
It is available in forms that exhibit the sought after characteristics but we are still developing and improving the manufacturing process to get large sheets of monolayer graphene. Saying monolayer graphene is redundant but necessary because many of the so called graphene products are multi-layer which is in fact graphite. There are a number of companies that produce monolayer graphene with very high ratios of carbon to oxygen which when used in various application exhibit the desired characteristics and improve the products it is added to in the ways expected.
Our company provides high volume high quality mono layer graphene and is focused on developing commercial applications for monolayer Graphene Oxide and monolayer Graphene Flake. We are seeing excellent results in tests from large heat conductivity applications. We are seeing good results in several field tests for friction reduction. We are also seeing good outcomes in coatings and structural applications. We have learned several quirks and solutions in utilizing graphene to improve various products and we are seeing a steady improvement in both production methods and use of real graphene.
What is the greatest invention we could build, provided we have unrestricted access to all of the planets current resources?
Graphene provides the basis of creating clean low cost energy and low cost water worldwide. This would make huge strides in improving the quality of life for billions of people. Many nations see this potential and are investing billions of $ in Graphene product development for not just energy and water purification but in making countless existing products better and creating entirely new products based on the unique characteristics of Graphene.
Is going from graphite to graphene a chemical reaction?
Most of the high volume manufacturing processes are chemical processes. The original method for isolating graphene was mechanical exfoliation.
How is Graphene a 2D material, if it’s one carbon atom thick?
2D has nothing to do with thickness. 2D materials can only expand or grow in two directions. 1D materials can only grow or expand in one direction (nanotubes), or 0D that cannot grow or expand at all (Fullerenes or buckyballs).
Is it hard to make a ton of graphene?
It is not easy but it is being done all over the world. It depends on what you mean by Graphene. There are numerous companies that have developed various methods of producing mono-layer flakes of GO and then that can be used to make rGO and other forms specialized forms of Graphene. I can’t speak for other companies but we can provide as much GO as needed.
If graphene can be made piezoelectric, are there any current uses for it, or does the price mean it is currently prohibitive?
Graphene Oxide (GO) can be used to create piezoelectric materials based on research over the last few years. The type of graphene that is most commonly used is a version of GO that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture in large quantities. We currently have the capacity to produce GO in quantity that can be doped to produce GO that would work as piezoelectric material. It would be highly efficient at producing and transmitting the electrical charge with a side benefit of having the ability to regulate the heat produced.
We provide GO and rGO in large quantity at commercially viable prices. We also provide test and research quantities at little or no cost and work in concert with application developers. It appears that you may be doing research on piezoelectric materials. We would be happy to talk with you regarding providing whatever material you need.
When will electric cars be able to have 1000 miles/kilometers of range without “hyper-miling?”
I agree with Dan and Leland that it is not really necessary to have a driving range in excess of 500 miles due to the weight and cost of extending the range beyond that. In spite of that I expect that in the not to distant future increased battery efficiencies and lower weight needed for those more efficient batteries will make it possible for higher ranges. I also believe that on board photovoltaics and braking systems will provide recharging capability extending the range of electric vehicles significantly while reducing the size and weight of the batteries.
Will the materials that are used to manufacture supercapacitors (carbon and graphene) ever run out on Earth, because I really don’t want that to happen?
It is unlikely that we will ever run out of carbon or graphene (an allotrope of carbon) since carbon is one of the most abundant elements on earth and in the universe.
What is the difference between atomically thin 2D materials and ultra thin 2D materials?
2D materials can only expand in two dimensions so from the perspective of growth they are the same. Assume that ultra thin means thicker than 1 atom so it would lose some of the characteristics that occur at the single atom thick level. It is the single atom thickness combined with its hexagonal covalent bonding that gives Graphene many of its exceptional characteristics. Ultra thin may also be explained as single atom in thickness in which case there is no difference.
If I were to wrap graphene around my bones, Would I become bulletproof?
No, wrapping Graphene around your bones would cut them off from nutrients and cause them to deteriorate. While the Graphene might make your bones bullet resistant it would do nothing for the soft tissue so you could still die from a gunshot.
Will graphene totally change the way we interact with our environment?
Absolutely, one of the main reasons I got involved with graphene is because of the potential for producing clean energy sustainably, with almost no carbon footprint. It is my belief that over time the existing coal, natural gas, oil, and nuclear power sources will be replaced by solar and other non-fuel power sources. The increase in efficiency for generating solar power and the ability to safely and inexpensively generate and store the power locally could even make the power grid obsolete except perhaps in the large metropolises.
Another environmental impact is a type of paint that we will have on the market in just a few months that is not only zero VOC but actually absorbs CO2 at the rate equivalent to several trees per home that is painted with it.
A third major benefit for us is the ability to produce clean water in almost any environment at a very low-cost using solar power and graphene based water filtration systems.
I could spend days listings new applications that will foster environmental and ecological improvements and even before I was done there would be new additions.
Why has anybody never found a way for the mass production of graphene?
There are numerous methods to and companies producing graphene in high volume. We can produce graphene at a much higher rate than we can currently sell it but there are hundreds if not thousand of applications in development but I don’t expect that the demand will exceed the supply over the next 5 years. The current focus in expanding production capacity is not to meet demand as much as it is to lower costs allowing for wider application development.
Can you feel a single sheet of graphene with your hands?
I would say generally no. A large enough sheet would resist pressure so you could feel the resistance but it is unlikely that you be able to feel anything other than the resistance since the surface of the sheet would imperceptible to any other contact since the surface topography is measured in fractions of nanometers.
What could graphene do for combat technology if we could synthesize it in large amounts?
Graphene will make personnel and drone ground vehicles lighter, stronger, and more impact resistant. It will also be key to making them more independent of supply lines by utilizing more efficient solar panels and long-range battery storage. One of the more imaginative developments would include short-range flight ability similar to a grasshopper. These technologies are in the early stages of testing and development.
If new materials such as graphene can be made cheaply, and replace metal for car bodies and similar items, what effect will that have on manufacturing of vehicles?
It is not really an “if” graphene is already being made in the volume and quality to be used as an additive to steel or plastics to make a car body and other components (frame) stronger and lighter. We have been testing these applications for over 18 months. The price of the graphene at the projected volumes would be feasible today and more attractive in the near future. our volume pricing is already half of what it was a year ago will continue to fall as we expand and refine our manufacturing process to meet demand.
How strong is 3D graphene?
There is no such thing as 3D Graphene.
Why are there only 2D graphene, and why can’t scientists make a solid 3D one?
Graphene by definition is one atom thick and can only grow in 2 dimensions. The exceptional characteristics of Graphene are due to the single atom thick hexagonal structure. There is no such ting as 3D Graphene.
Would placing two layers of graphene next to each other cause them to bond to form one sheet?
In most cases they would bond by Van der Waals forces, a relatively weak bond to create graphite. Graphite does not have the same wonderful attributes as Graphene.
Can graphene play a primary solution in climate change?
Absolutely, Graphene will revolutionize the way energy is made and stored. Graphene will make photovoltaic panels more efficient and will enable us to made batteries that will safer, lighter ,discharge and recharge more rapidly and have greater capacity. An added bonus is that the plentiful clean energy will enable us to make clean water less expensively.
How can I buy graphene? How much does it cost?
You can contact me. We would be happy to discuss your objectives and assist. The cost is based on quantity and type. Hundreds of kilograms of monolayer reduced graphene flake is available at less than $50 per gram. One gram can range from $350-$1200. We provide 1–20 grams to product developers at no charge as part of a development project on a regular basis.
What are some good research papers/books for a high-schooler to read about the field of Graphene to gain insight for a Science Fair Project?
There are thousands of good research papers. I recommend a google search and look for older articles to get a basic understanding. I would start with Wikipedia.
Is graphene expensive?
Expensive is a relative term. The real question should be “are the benefits of graphene worth the cost?” Each day the cost of high quality monolayer graphene falls and the ability to utilize it increases. We already have a number of applications where the benefits far outweigh the costs so in those instances graphene is not expensive. It is my belief that in the not to distant future we will see graphene as a key factor in low cost clean energy and low cost clean water. The benefits of these will change the world. The CO2 absorbing paints, lower cost more durable housing structures and methods of transportation will also have a great impact and we can provide graphene for these applications today at costs that make sense. We are currently providing graphene zero VOC, CO2 absorbing paint at a price point that is very competitive with the non CO2 absorbing, low VOC paint. So is graphene expensive not in these cases because the benefits are in line with the costs.
Why do wheels always rotate clockwise to move forward and anti-clockwise to move backwards?
They don’t, Clockwise and counterclockwise are a matter of perspective. Clockwise when you are facing the right side of the vehicle or wheel and counterclockwise from the right
How does the safety helmet work & absorb the momentum?
Safety helmets disperse the impact over a wider area and transfer the impact from bone to muscle which can absorb it with no or less permanent damage.
Is it possible to make greater structures than the ISS in space with materials like graphene?
Yes because the limiting factor is the cost of getting the building materials to orbit. If the spacecraft carrying the materials and the materials are lighter than for the same cost you increase the size of the Space Station, Another often discussed solution for getting materials to space is the Space elevator which could be made possible by the strength and low weight of graphene.
In my opinion I think the desirability of building expansive projects in near space orbits using resources from earth will be diminished as we are able to travel to the Moon, Mars and the Asteroid belt and be able to get the same raw materials at a much lower transportation cost.
Is it possible to create an artificial planet on space with artificial gravity? Like the Elysium movie?
Of course it is, Gravity is the attraction between masses, so if you create a large mass you are creating gravity. The gravitational force on the moon is if I am remembering correctly 1/16 of that on earth meaning that the mass of the earth is roughly 16 times greater than that of the moon taking into consideration the distance from the center of the mass and its surface, This means a mass of the same size with greater density would have a stronger gravity on its surface.
Why is graphene not considered a good replacement for steel in many applications, despite its greater strength?
Graphene replacing steel is analogous to $12,000 plasma flat big screen replacing a cabinet model Sony TV. The cost and unknowns performance limit the number of potential buyers but there will be first adopters and as their experiences are shared there will be more buyers lowering the cost per unit leading to more users and better technology and lower costs. Within a very few years graphene will be widely used for structural strength enhancement and at some point steel without graphene will be the rarity.
Is graphite a limited resource?
Graphene is Carbon, one-off the most abundant elements on earth. Currently the bulk of graphene comes from graphite which is not as abundant as Carbon but still available in large quantities at low-cost.
Why are auto manufacturers using graphene in batteries for electric cars?
Currently Graphene is being used to improve charging and discharging efficiencies only. Developing a true graphene battery is in its infancy we still have a few thousand light bulbs to test before we find the best solution but there are a large number of people working on it. In the meantime the increased efficiencies are a huge improvement over previous technology.
Do we have a stronger and lighter material than carbon fiber that is on the market right now (so not graphene)?
Graphene is on the market right now. We provide large quantities of high quality monolayer GO and rGO at prices that make great sense when looking at a cost benefit analysis. Graphene is expensive but it is now approaching 10% of the cost it was a year ago and a little bit goes a long way due to its massive surface area (500–600 square meters per gram). We are getting product life improvement in excess of 70% with an increase in cost of less than 10%. In that application the life to cost benefit is only a fraction of the real benefit of the significant reduction in labor costs and manufacturing down time due to equipment maintenance. In this application the enhancement is due to increased ductility and heat conductivity from adding less than 1% of rGO by weight. If you have an application in mind, contact us to discuss the type and amount of low cost, high quality Graphene to give you the best solution.
Assuming you could paint an asteroid with graphene, would graphene act like a heat shield?
The answer would depend on why you want it to act as a heat shield. I think that it would be more likely to act as a heat sink than shield. But the heat could be converted to electrical energy or transmitted and utilized as other forms of energy. Currently we have graphene based zero VOC emission paint products that absorb and disburse heat so that the entire surface area is heated more evenly providing longer life by reducing the amount of expansion and contraction while providing more flexibility limiting the impact of the reduced expansion and contraction. Another benefit of this paint is that it absorbs CO2.
When will we be using graphene more frequently? Will companies accept the idea of using graphene because it will make their products last longer and less profitable?
Actually Graphene is being used in numerous application already. The reasons for using graphene are to enhance
- Structural strength with less weight
- Ductility with less weight
- Lubrication
- electrical conductivity
- heat conductivity
- UV protection
- Chemical corrosion protection
- Shielding
- Sensors
- Speakers/headphones
Graphene makes products better, stronger, safer, and more profitable due to the benefits it provides. A company that wants create products that are more profitable due to planned obsolescence will eventually lose to companies that make smarter, better, faster, cheaper products.
The product application development process is expanding exponentially at this time and there are new products consistently being introduced. Our company is currently in development with over 50 products and this is expanding rapidly.
We and several other companies high quality monolayer graphene available in large quantities at prices that are financially viable. As use increases the cost and scope of Graphene will continue to improve dramatically.
Where is Graphene in powder form available?
Graphene in dry platelet form is widely available. You have to decide on the type, quality, functionalization, etc. we have commercial quantities of monolayer Graphene Oxide (GO) and monolayer reduced GO (rGO) often referred to as Graphene Flake are the most useful and common forms. There are several companies that can provide these types of Graphene in large quantities. Our company can provide as much as you need in standard forms or customized for specific applications at good prices for commercial products.
Why haven’t graphene electronic devices been commercialized yet?
There are some in use and many in development. Our company is working on a wide range of electronic applications nearing the completion of the test phases taking advantage of the superior electrical conductivity, heat conductivity, and strength to weight differential characteristics. Cost does not seem to be a problem. In most cases the amount of graphene needed to achieve the objectives is nominal and the benefits are sufficient to offset the costs. As these applications prove themselves and provide more information about what works the trickle of development we are seeing now will become a flood.
Many of the applications being developed are not being reported for financial or security reasons. At this stage the the biggest beneficiaries of graphene development may be the attorneys preparing the NDAs and Patents and the paper manufacturers. It seems we have issued and signed far more NDAs than product that we have shipped. We hope to see this change very soon.
How do I get high-quality graphene?
Call us. We have plenty of monolayer, 90%+ carbon graphene flake. (888) 836–1111
How expensive would it be to make a vest out of graphene?
It would depend on what you wanted the vest to do. Is it a wearable computing device, more durable article of clothing,, etc? But most likely the vest would have graphene as an additive or coating, so not all graphene. The cost would be reasonably in the lower range of a designer clothing.
How many times can a sheet of graphine be folded in half?
Tough question. Graphene stacked becomes graphite so if that is your objective knock your self out the limitations being the length of the sheet and the size of the fold. If you are trying to get multiple layers of graphene that stays graphene then you would need to have a barrier so again the limitation would be the length of the graphene and the size of the fold.
Is there any graphene polystyrene manufacturer where I can find some samples to buy?
We can make it for you. We would need to know what form of polystyrene, what shape(s) you want, and why you want graphene in it so we can use the right type and amount to accomplish your objective.
Could you make a Batman grapple hook assuming you spent tens of millions of dollars on the research necessary, and couldn’t you just use graphene for the rope since it’s flexible and the thinnest form of wire on Earth?
You could make the grappling hook and the rope with graphene to reduce the weight and increase the strength. It would not cost tens of millions for the research. We are currently running a wide variety of tests that are only costing in the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars depending on the application. The rope if made of only graphene would have the same problem as the line developed by Doc Savage. It would be so thin that only a man with superhuman strength could use it without cutting themselves
Where can I buy an atom-thick monolayer graphene?
1stGraphene.com. We only provide monolayer graphene. How much do you need? and what is the application so we can tell you the right type would be best?
Would graphene improve the rubber on wiper blades?
I believe that Graphene would make wiper blades more durable and effective, I would propose that GO and rGO are both tested to see whether the blades would more effective with the hydrophilic rGO or the hydrophobic GO added. I would also test to see what amount of graphene added provides the desired ductility and firmth levels. It is my opinion that the addition of graphene would increase the life and quality of performance significantly.
I am fairly certain that carbon black is not graphene. If carbon black was heated at temperatures in the range of 5,500 degree Fahrenheit for a long period of time it would change to graphite which could then be made into graphene.
How far away are we from manufacturing graphene?
We are well into manufacturing graphene. There are numerous companies that manufacture in large quantities. There are many varieties of graphene being made for a wide number of applications. The high volume applications are coatings, batteries, and structural enhancement. The increase in high volume commercial usage is helping drive the prices down. We are already seeing price reductions of 40% in the high volume usage areas. We expect that to continue as new methods of manufacturing help lower the costs.
What are the different levels of quality for graphene nanopowder?
As I understand it the variables that effect quality in graphene nano powder or flake are percentage of monolayer, carbon to oxygen ratio, flake size, pore size, and pore volume. High quality graphene is generally in excess of 90% monolayer, 90% carbon, with flake size exceeding 20 microns in the x and y coordinates.
Since carbon atoms are roughly .3 nanometers in diameter graphene should be roughly .3 nanometers thick or tall (z coordinate). So to be graphene the z coordinate should not exceed .3-.5 nanometers allowing for curvature and measuring errors. If the product specifications include the terms multilayer, many layer, few layer or a thickness exceeding .5 nanometers then is it most likely graphite not graphene and won’t have the characteristics that make graphene so amazing.
Exceeding 90% carbon to oxygen ratio allows for the hydrophobic, larger flake, purer graphene generally referred to as graphene flake or rGO. lower levels of carbon are generally described as Graphene Oxide which is hydrophilic perhaps due to the higher amount of oxygen available for bonding on the periphery and/ or defects in the lattice structure with impurities. As the percentage of carbon to oxygen or other material increase the level of hydrophobicity increases.
Flake size is measured in microns, a thousand times the nanometers of how the height is measured. Graphene flake ranges from 1–50 nanometers. Bigger flake size goes hand in hand with decrease in oxygen and impurities levels. Large flake size contributes to increases in strength, heat and electrical conductivity, and ductility. Graphene Oxide generally is much smaller flake size which makes it easy to tell them apart using the naked eye since 1 gram of GO has a volume of <5% of rGO (Graphene Flake).
Pore size and volume vary with the the flatness of the flake again flake size plays and important role because larger flakes can have larger pore size and volume which may or may not be desirable depending on the application.
These variables are before you start customizing the graphene for specific purposes and applications. You may want to change the graphene for different functionalities or Depending on the applications desirable qualities could change.
Can graphene replace an EDM eroding electrode made of graphite?
I believe it would be an improvement to use graphene over graphite. I would want to learn more about the application to make an accurate recommendation.
At what thickness is a piece of material considered quasi-2D?
It is not the thickness that determines 2D it the way the material can grow or expand. 2 D materials can only expand along two (2) axes (dimensions) x and y but not z. That is why graphene is refereed to as a 2 dimensional material. nanotubes can only expand along 1 dimension so it is a 1 dimensional material.
If graphene is stacked it is no longer 2 dimensional it is graphite a 3 dimensional material.
Does Graphene bond with water molecules?
Pristine graphene is hydrophobic, Graphene oxide is hydrophilic. The answer depends on the type of graphene.
Is graphene stronger than vibranium?
Graphene is the real life version of vibranium
What is graphene and how is it synthesized?
Graphene is a hexagonal lattice of carbon atoms. It is only one atom thick and can only grow in the x and y direction. This 2 dimensional configuration and the covalent bonding give graphene a number of characteristics that make it an exceptional material for a wide range of applications.
Graphene can be made by separating graphite into single sheets or by aligning carbon atoms in the desired pattern using CVD or other methods.
Which is the better anti-corrosive coating on reinforcement steel bars, polyaspartic coatings or polyurethane coatings?
If you meant polyurea, my vote is polyaspartic
Could graphene be made into a body armor and how would you do it?
We are currently testing a method for using graphene to make armor lighter and stronger and we hope it will be successful, when it works we will be happy to share the news of the success.
How can I model graphene in the semiconductor module of Comsol? How about Au?
I have not tried it yet but I would think you could with the exception of heat transference due graphene’s exceeding the current heat transference theories so the program may need to be adjusted for that type of modeling.
Is graphene truly worth all the hype it gets from the media?
You decide, It can increase the efficiency of photovoltaic cells by 1000–12000%, It is 200 time stronger than steel by weight, It will enable battery charge and discharge rates to be reduced significantly. It will enable the manufacture of more powerful lighter batteries, it can be used in curing cancer, improving brain function, making artificial eyesight. and the list goes on.
Will graphene affect the rate of decomposition of the materials coated by it, when it becomes commercially available?
New Research Shows Graphene Coating Can Protect Glass From Corrosion
Graphene as a coating for glass can significantly decrease damage and defect from exposure. See attached link that is one of several studies available supporting this concept. There are other studies that used rGO flake (~90% Carbon, ~90% mono-layer) in solution and achieved similar results. rGO flake is available in large quantities. We can provide thousands of kilograms of customized rGO annually. There are several other manufacturers besides us that can deliver in similar quantity levels.
Is graphene truly worth all the hype it gets from the media?
You decide, It can increase the efficiency of photovoltaic cells by 1000–12000%, It is 200 time stronger than steel by weight, It will enable battery charge and discharge rates to be reduced significantly. It will enable the manufacture of more powerful lighter batteries, it can be used in curing cancer, improving brain function, making artificial eyesight. and the list goes on.
Can you glue two sheets of 1 atom thick graphene together without losing added strength benefits? Or is the added strength caused by just stacking them?
You can’t glue them but you can stack them (Bernal stacking) and get co Valent bonding without degrading the strength. Added strength does not come from stacking just the opposite.
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