Orbit Graphene Sheet

Graphene is just one of a number of important carbon allotropes. This graphene lattice molecular model kit comes with 500 sp2 carbon atoms. The simplest arrangement is as a one atom thick hexagonal honeycomb monolayer.

The version in the upper left of the image shows 2 sheets that have been overlaid. This can demonstrate that the different layers in graphite can slide over each other or be separated into single graphene sheets. The structures can be further reduced in size to show a multi-layer graphene structure.

This carbon allotrope has a variety of interesting properties that make it one of the most promising of any new two dimensional composite material. It has unusual electrical conductivity and high tensile strength when used as a nanoribbon.

See our glow in the dark graphene sheet model. Add some trigonal bipyramidal atoms to build graphite.

Graphene is a semimetal with interesting electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Its high electron mobility is superior to traditional silicon semiconductor materials with regards to switching speeds and electrical conductivity.

Pure graphene needs its electronic structure modified to introduce a bandgap. Techniques such as strain & chemical doping allow graphene to switch between conducting and non-conducting states, which are needed in transistors and other semiconductor devices. Graphene also benefits from very high thermal conductivity which aids in heat dissipation and is mechanically flexible.

Graphene semiconductors are optically tunable which make them attractive for use in photodetectors, solar cells, and other devices that interact with light. In addition, they have potential use for rapid energy storage in devices including capacitors and batteries.

Graphene aerogels are another application. They are ultra-light, with a density as low as 0.16 mg/cm³. Their high porosity means a very high surface to volume ratio with hundreds of square metres per gram. This makes them ideal for selective absorption especially of organic compounds such as those found in oil spills. Similarly, by not retaining water, aerogels can purify water about retaining heavy metals and other toxic substances.