India’s First Graphene Centre

Context

?   The Union government recently launched India’s first graphene centre (IICG) in Kerala.

?   The centre was established to foster research and development, product innovation and capacity building in the area of graphene and 2D material systems.

About the Graphene

?   Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb

Applications

?   Graphene composites are used in automotive, sports equipment and construction.

?   It is used for high-performance batteries and super-capacitors, touchscreens, and conductive inks.

?   Graphene-based sensors are used for environmental monitoring, healthcare and wearable devices.

?   Graphene oxide membranes are used for water purification and desalination.

?   Graphene-based masks were made during COVID.

?   Graphene is important for defence and aerospace as well. Its exceptional strength makes it a promising material for armour and ballistic protection.