graphene
/ˈɡræfiːn/
Definition
A single, one-atom-thick layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional, hexagonal lattice structure.
Etymology
The term is a portmanteau of 'graphite' and the chemical suffix '-ene' (denoting a double bond or alkene). It was coined in the late 1980s to describe the isolated single-layer structure extracted from the multi-layered mineral graphite.
In the news
Graphene is mentioned as a primary example of a 2D material that can be stacked with other substances to create heterostructures with exotic electronic properties like superconductivity. In this article, it serves as a baseline material whose performance is improved by cleaner manufacturing techniques.
Scientists unveil technique to build ultra-thin material stacks that promise quantum breakthrough
Read the full article ↗EurekAlert!