A one-atom-thick sheet

01 / WHAT CHANGES

The mechanism

Graphene is a layer of carbon atoms in a hexagonal lattice. Its two-dimensional electronic structure gives rise to distinctive charge transport. A sheet can extend over a large lateral area while remaining atomically thin: nanoscale does not mean small in every direction.

02 / WHERE IT LEADS

An application, in context

It is studied for sensors and electronics, and incorporated into some composites to modify their properties. Graphene, graphene oxide and multilayer graphene are not interchangeable materials.