Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: India needs to catch up in the research and production of graphene, a revolutionary material with numerous applications.
About Graphene:
| Aspect | Description |
| Graphene is a one-atom-thick layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. It is the thinnest, strongest, and most conductive material in the world, while also being flexible, transparent, and impermeable to gases. It was discovered in 2004, but it has been difficult to produce high-grade large-scale graphene. | |
| Applications | Electronics, sensors, displays, solar panels, batteries, supercapacitors, composites, aerospace, etc. |
| Market Size | The global graphene market was valued at over $175 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 46% between 2023 and 2030 |
| Research and Production | Leading countries in graphene research and production include China, the US, Brazil, the UK, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and Singapore |
| India’s Progress | India’s progress in graphene has been slower compared to leading countries like China and Brazil. India opened its first Graphene Innovation Centre in Thrissur, Kerala last year (2022); Tata Steel has succeeded in growing graphene (about 50 micrometres large domains) using annealing and extracting atomic carbon from steel surface; IIT Roorkee-incubated Log 9 has patented a technology for graphene-based ultracapacitors |
| Reforms needed | While India has made some advancements and established innovation centres, there is a need for a national graphene mission and government support to ensure India’s competitiveness in this emerging field. |
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Tags: graphene
