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Graphene is just one atomic layer of graphite-a layer of sp2 bonded carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal or honeycomb lattice. Graphite is a common mineral composed of multiple layers of graphene. The structural composition and manufacturing methods of graphene and graphite are slightly different. This article focuses on the difference between these two materials.

Graphite is one of the three naturally-occurring allotropes of carbon. It is naturally present in metamorphic rocks in different parts of the world, including parts of South America, Asia and North America. This mineral is the result of the reduction of deposited carbon compounds during the metamorphic process.

The chemical bonds in graphite are similar in strength to the chemical bonds in diamond. However, the lattice structure of carbon atoms causes the difference in hardness of the two compounds; graphite contains two-dimensional lattice bonds, while diamond contains three-dimensional lattice bonds. The carbon atoms in each layer of graphite contain weaker intermolecular bonds. This allows the layers to slide against each other, making graphite a soft and ductile material.

Various studies have shown that graphite is an excellent mineral with a variety of unique properties. It conducts heat and electricity, and maintains the highest natural strength and rigidity even at temperatures exceeding 3600°C. This material is self-lubricating and resistant to chemicals.

Despite the existence of different forms of carbon, graphite is very stable under standard conditions. According to its form, graphite can be used in a wide range of applications.

Graphene has unique properties beyond graphite. Although graphite is commonly used to reinforce steel, it cannot be used alone as a structural material due to its flat surface. In contrast, graphene is the strongest material found so far. It is more than 40 times stronger than diamond and more than 300 times stronger than A36 structural steel.

Due to the planar structure of graphite, its electronic, acoustic and thermal properties are highly anisotropic. This means that the transmission of phonons on a plane is much easier than when trying to pass through a plane. However, graphene has a very high electron mobility, and like graphite, since each carbon atom has a free pi (p) electron, it is a good electrical conductor.

However, the conductivity of graphene is much higher than that of graphite. This is due to the appearance of quasi-particles, which are electrons, just like they have no mass, and can travel long distances without scattering. In order to fully achieve this high level of conductivity, doping is required to overcome the zero-state density that can be visualized at the Dirac point of graphene.

Scientists use a variety of techniques to produce graphene. Mechanical peeling, also known as tape technology, is an effective method for manufacturing single-layer and few-layer graphene. However, various research institutions around the world are striving to find the most effective way to cost-effectively produce high-quality graphene on a large scale.

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is the most suitable technology for producing single-layer or few-layer graphene. This technology can extract carbon atoms from a carbon-rich source through reduction. However, the main disadvantage of this technology is the difficulty of finding a suitable substrate on which to grow the graphene layer, and the complexity of removing the graphene layer from the substrate without changing or destroying the atomic structure of the graphene.

Other techniques used to grow graphene include ultrasonic treatment, thermal engineering, carbon dioxide reduction, cutting carbon nanotubes, and graphite oxide reduction. Due to reduced production costs, the latter technology that uses heat to reduce graphite oxide to graphene has recently attracted great attention. Nevertheless, the quality of currently produced graphene does not meet the theoretical potential of the material, and more time is needed to perfect it.

Graphenea is a leading graphene producer that meets industrial and research needs. Graphenea has developed a leading synthesis and transfer process to obtain highly uniform single-layer graphene films on any substrate.

This information is derived from, reviewed, and adapted from material provided by Graphenea.

For more information on this source, please visit Graphenea.

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Hi, can you explain why graphene is so hard and graphite is so soft? tnx

If graghene is 300 times stronger than diamond, then I would say that it may have a 3-dimensional lattice. In addition, it has a free p electron. I don't know much about it, I just came to this conclusion by reading these materials. But I think it’s horrible that people who know have ignored you for months.

Graphite is a layered graphene, and the molecular bonds between the layers are weak-so the layers will move and slide with each other, and the overall material appears soft on the scale of the human body. However, a single layer of graphene is only one atom thick. They are invisible to the naked eye, but they do not allow any element to pass through—even helium—it is a transparent but impermeable membrane. The honeycomb structure of the plate makes it 40 times stronger than diamond and 300 times stronger than steel. But even so, a sheet that is only one atom thick will not be very strong.

On February 14, 2019, thanks to DJ Nick for his clear description of graphene. Very helpful. Kind regards, Mark Creek-water Dorazio, amateur physics enthusiast, Phoenix

If graghene is 300 times stronger than diamond, then I would say that it may have a 3-dimensional lattice. In addition, it has a free p electron. I don't know much about it, I just came to this conclusion by reading these materials. But I think it’s horrible that people who know have ignored you for months.

Graphene is 40 times stronger than diamond, but 300 times stronger than steel. It is a two-dimensional structure-completely flat sheets of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal honeycomb pattern.

May I know the thermal coefficient of graphene expansion...thanks

Diamonds are not strong at all, and certainly not stronger than diamonds. Although it is impossible to be 30 times harder than diamonds, diamonds are very hard, but not strong at all.

Strength refers to the maximum stress before failure occurs. The molecular bonds of diamond are very stable, and the strength is 7.5 times that of steel. This means that the load (push, pull) that a diamond rod can withstand is 7.5 times that of a steel rod of the same size. Graphene is 40 times stronger than diamond and 300 times stronger than steel-this means that a beam made of graphene can withstand 300 times the load of a steel beam of the same size.

What is the form of carbon? Is it powder or flakes? Although it is loose and powdered graphene powder, how can it be said that it is stronger?

The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of AZoNano.com.

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