Is India missing the Graphene Bus?

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