Every Day Can be a Graphene Day

Now that you get the general idea of graphene, its time to delve deeper into the reasons behind why one should plan to adopt graphene-based technology. Aside from the material's value in the domain of computing and biotechnology, graphene has uses that would benefit even your average consumer.

Scientists at the University of Manchester have recently implemented a graphene-based, paint-like substance with startling applicability. Due to graphene's inherent conducting properties, such a material could act as a hyper-efficient solar panel, allowing for an electrical current to flow through anything it touches; this means houses can be powered simply by the paint that covers them! Other uses for this paint include automatically recharging solar panels on devices such as smartphones and tablets, fully electrical cars with no charging requirement, and much, much more.

Graphene-based paint begins to take form at the University of  Manchester
source: http://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=3553

In addition to paint, graphene integrates magnificently with the plastic industry. Due to its lightweight yet durable nature, it could replace plastics used in cars, planes, and even space shuttles, resulting in a lighter, more fuel efficient design. Its electrical properties would also allow for this type of plastic to aid in the electrical processes that occur within these vehicles, thus eliminating electrical interference and promoting the response-rate of on-board computers (http://phys.org/news/2013-10-graphene-potential-carbon-atom-thick-material.html).

Although there are an abundance of technological uses for graphene, its presence will soon be felt across all walks of life. Scientists are beginning to develop applications of graphene that would result in stronger wind turbines, stronger and more flexible sports equipment, and even better quality medical implants. This is not to mention the impact graphene will soon have on biological engineering, which could be revolutionary. Early prototypes of graphene bio-metric sensory devices show the material is ideal for aiding in measuring of hemoglobin levels, glucose levels, and even DNA sequences. Some researchers even suggest that bioengineering with graphene could create an impressive antibiotic or cancer treatment (http://grapheneus.com/future-applications-of-graphene-in-biological-engineering/).

Not convinced enough to embrace the graphene lifestyle? Scientists at MIT have recently developed a graphene water filter, which can efficiently filter nearly any particles from water, including and especially salt. A cheap, easily producible water filter could not only standardize conversion of sea water to drinking water, but allow for families of all income ranges to own a high-tech water filter. Imagine a permanent solution to the issue of fresh water availability!

I urge you to research further the common applications of graphene, for if the previously described uses don't excite your desire to convert to the graphene way of life, the sheer multitude of additional uses will. Although these everyday uses may seem impressive, the realm in which graphene really shines is technology, specifically computing.