Above: Samsung's Gear Fit
Get to know the name “graphene,” as it’s primed to be one of the most important materials for the technology industry over the next few years.
The ultra-thin material is around 200 times stronger than steel — and most importantly, it’s flexible, unlike the fragile silicon we rely on today. The big downside? It’s incredibly expensive and difficult to produce.
But a group of researchers Samsung, one of many big technology companies exploring ways to develop and use graphene, may have found a way to make the material more accessible, according to a paper published by Science today.
The researchers say they’ve discovered a new method of creating large portions of graphene across a single wafer layer. Previously, companies have been forced to stack graphene crystals to make large portions of the material, a process that’s both expensive and also reduces its electrical conductivity.
The discovery means we may finally have a method of bringing graphene to market that isn’t insanely cost-prohibitive. It would make wearable devices stronger and vastly thinner, and it could also be used as the backbone of flexible displays. And of course, the discovery now positions Samsung as a potential leader in the graphene market, just as it has been for LCD and memory markets.
IBM recently showed off a prototype graphene chip, which could eventually replace silicon chips. Apple has reportedly been exploring graphene for solar cell panels built into future gadgets. Among its many other wondrous properties, solar cells made out of graphene could be far more efficient than today’s panels.
Our fourth annual VentureBeat Mobile Summit, April 14-15 at the scenic Cavallo Point Resort in Sausalito, Calif., will gather the top mobile 180 executives to tackle the biggest growth opportunities in the industry today. Request an invitation.Samsung claims a graphene breakthough — which may be huge for future wearables
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