Graphene used as superconductor
Researchers from Tohoku University in Japan have discovered the superconductivity of graphene whilst kept in its original state.
With a seemingly limitless array of uses, the ‘wonder material’ has previously been made superconductive by being coated with lithium; now graphene’s ability to conduct electricity with zero resistance has been achieved without modification. This can lead to numerous new electronic devices, power lines, and significant decreases in energy wastage as a result of excess heat from the grid.
Although the discovery was made at an extremely cold temperature of -269°C, researchers believe that this superconductivity could pave the way for the development of computers and other devices capable of transporting electrons without heat or energy wastage.
A spokesperson for the university said: “This is significant because electrons with no mass flowing with no resistance in graphene could lead to the realisation of an ultimately high speed nano-electronic device. The latest results pave the way for the further development of ultra-high speed superconducting nano devices, such as a quantum computing device, which utilises superconducting graphene in its integrated circuit.”
Whilst there is still more work to be done to make this discovery effective, graphene – graphite with a thickness of just a single atom – continues to impress the world of scientific materials.
