Graphene is frequently in news recently. What is its important?

1. It is a two­ dimensional material and has good electrical conductivity.
2. It is one of the thinnest but strongest materials tested so far.
3. It is entirely made of silicon and has high optical transparency.
4. It can be used as ‘conducting electrodes’ requires for touch screens, LCD’s and organic LED’s

Which of the statements given above are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2012 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (c)        

Explanation:

• Graphene is an allotrope of carbon consisting of a single layer of atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice.
• Graphene is a two-dimensional material and has good electrical conduction.
  • It is one of the thinnest but strongest materials tested so far.

It can be used for conducting electrodes required for touch screens, LCDs, and organic LEDs.