What is it?
- Graphene is a one-atom-thick sheet of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb-like pattern.
- Graphene is considered to be the world’s thinnest, strongest, and most conductive material – of both electricity and heat.
Application
- In the electronics industry, it can be used in transistors, touchscreens, and solar cells. Graphene-based transistors are faster and consume less power compared to traditional transistors.
- In the healthcare industry, it can be used in drug delivery and imaging. Graphene-based drug delivery systems can target specific cells and reduce side effects.
- In the energy industry, it can be used in batteries, supercapacitors, and solar cells. Graphene-based batteries and supercapacitors have higher energy density and faster charging times compared to traditional batteries.
Government Initiatives
- National Graphene Coordination Centre (NGCC): The NGCC has been established to promote research and development of graphene in India. It aims to create a platform for collaboration among researchers, academia, and industries.
- Nano Mission: The Nano Mission is a flagship program of the Government of India that aims to promote research and development in the field of nanotechnology. Graphene is one of the focus areas of this program.
- Department of Science and Technology (DST): The DST has initiated several programs to promote the usage of graphene in various industries. It has funded several research projects related to graphene.
- Graphene Entrepreneurship Park (GEP): The GEP is a joint initiative of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and the Tamil Nadu government. It aims to promote entrepreneurship in the field of graphene.