Graphene, the material of the future that is present

Known as the material of the future, the graphene keeps the scientific and technological community astonished because of its amazing properties and countless of potential applications. Adding to other compounds such as main raw material or as a new process of production, graphene will make possible touch screens that don't break down, internet 100 times faster than today with optical fiber, flexible transistors at 100 gigahertz, solar panels, purify seawater into drinking and in many other applicable areas and examples.

The properties of graphene are superlative: it is transparent, flexible, waterproof, hydrophobic (repels water), stronger and better heat conductor than diamond, capable of supporting a large electrical current density, thus having a higher conductivity than copper and even silicon. The resistance, malleability and ability to produce energy make graphene an element with transformative potential, with application in various sectors of the automotive, aerospace, biomedical, telecommunications, electronics, energy, components and sensors.

Actually the whole world is investing huge amount of money with research in industrial and electronic applications in graphene. Samsung already has 407 patents related to graphene and IBM almost with 150.

Today, 1 gram of graphene can cost between 100 and 300 dollars in the international market. However, 1 kg of graphite costs 1 dollar and from this amount it's possible to extract around 150 grams of graphene which would make possible to have at least 15.000 dollars of graphene. Of course it requires investments and material processing to reach this amount.

According to some specialists, the first applications are expected in 2016-2017 and from 2020 its advantages will be a bit more generalized. The time that the industry needs to incorporate a new material is estimated at 15 to 20 years and in some cases up to 50.

It will be the big companies in these sectors that will decide when and how to introduce these innovations to the market. The impact on quality of life, the environment and energy is invaluable. We will need decades to evaluate the success of this technology.

An interesting thing is that Brazil has one of the world's largest reserves of graphene and its applications increase daily. So investments will be important to lead us as one of the greatest producers not only in material but that develops products that generate patents, licenses and royalties.