Introduction:
- Graphene is a revolutionary material with unique properties that can disrupt various industries.
- India has made progress in the field of graphene but needs to catch up with global leaders.
- Graphene has diverse applications in sectors such as electricity, conductivity, sensors, Defense and aerospace industries.
Properties and Applications of Graphene:
- Thinnest, strongest and Most Conductive material: Graphene is thinner than any other material and yet incredibly strong.
- For Example: Graphene is used in batteries and touchscreens
- Transparency and Impermeability:
- Graphene is almost perfectly transparent allowing light to pass through and it absorbs only 2% of light.
- It is impermeable for gases including light ones like hydrogen and helium.
- For Example: Due to impermeability it is used in electronics.
- Composite Materials and Transformative Qualities: Graphene can dramatically enhance properties of other materials when combined with other materials.
- For Example: Graphene composites find applications in aerospace, sports equipment.
- Energy Generation and Storage: Graphene properties contribute to development of advanced energy generation.
- For Example: Graphene based batteries offer faster charging and longer shelf life.
- Sensors and Environment Monitoring: Graphene based sensors are sensitive to environment changes enabling detection of various substances.
- For Example: Graphene uses are found in healthcare, radiation and biological agents.
- Defense and Aerospace Applications:
- Graphene’s strength, conductivity and sensitivity make it valuable in defense and aerospace sectors.
- For Example: Graphene’s potential applications include armor, stealth coatings, radar signature reduction and sensing hazardous substances.
- Notable Innovations:
- India has demonstrated innovative applications of graphene in various fields.
- Example: Graphene oxide-based wrappers have been developed to increase the shelf life of fruits.
- India Innovation Centre for Graphene:
- India Innovation Centre for Graphene, implemented by the Digital University of Kerala in partnership with Tata Steel and C-MET Thrissur.
- Example: The Centre can facilitate collaboration research and commercialization of graphene based products and technologies.
Importance of Government Support:
- Governments play a crucial role in supporting and promoting graphene research and development.
- Example: China and Europe have already established initiatives and funding to advance graphene technologies.
Conclusion:
- Graphene is a game changing material with vast potential across boundaries.
- India has made strides in graphene research and innovation but needs to accelerate its efforts to become a global leader.
- Establishing a national graphene mission and provisioning government support are essential for India to secure a prominent position in the emerging graphene age.
News Source: The Hindu
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