Advanced Topic 201 of 1102 Bonding & Molecular Structure
Graphene
A single atom-thick sheet of sp2 carbon with exceptional strength and conductivity.
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In-depth explanation of Graphene
Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, in effect one sheet of graphite that is only one atom thick. Each carbon is sp2 hybridized, and its delocalized pi electrons give the sheet high electrical conductivity and very high electron mobility. Graphene is also extremely strong and stiff, and its strength is often quoted as roughly 200 times that of steel for the same weight. It can be produced by mechanical exfoliation or chemical vapour deposition. Its isolation in 2004 led to the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics, awarded to Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov.
Going deeper: Graphene
Key ideas: Key facts: hexagonal lattice, C-C 142 pm, thickness 0.335 nm, Young's modulus about 1 TPa, absorbs about 2.3 percent of visible light, electron mobility above 100000 cm2 per V per s at room temperature in good samples. Zero band gap, so it behaves as a semimetal. Made by scotch tape exfoliation, CVD on copper, or reduction of graphene oxide.
Common mistakes and connections: Students say graphene is a semiconductor, or that it is a different material from graphite: graphite is stacked graphene. Another error is quoting strength without noting that it applies to defect-free sheets. Real samples with defects are weaker. Links to graphite, band theory, nanotubes and transparent electrodes.
Visualization of Graphene
Graphene, a one-atom-thick sheet of sp2 carbon, has an intrinsic tensile strength far above steel, thanks to its network of strong C-C bonds. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.
Worked example and use case
Graphene's strength is often quoted as roughly 200 times that of steel for the same weight.
Frequently asked questions about Graphene
What is Graphene?
A single atom-thick sheet of sp2 carbon with exceptional strength and conductivity.
Is Graphene a beginner, intermediate or advanced topic?
Graphene is a advanced topic in Bonding & Molecular Structure. It builds on beginner and intermediate topics, so review those first if needed.
What should I learn before Graphene?
Study these earlier topics in Bonding & Molecular Structure first: Allotropes of Carbon, Graphite Structure, Diamond Structure.
What comes after Graphene?
The next topics in Bonding & Molecular Structure are Fullerenes and Coordination Compounds.
Can I practise Graphene with quizzes?
Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Graphene, and the Bonding & Molecular Structure quiz draws on every topic in this area.
Where Graphene fits in Bonding & Molecular Structure
Graphene is topic 86 of 104 in Bonding & Molecular Structure.