Graphene
Graphene is a single-atom thick layer of graphite with strong covalent bonds between each carbon atom. The atoms are arranged in hexagons. Its properties include:
- high melting and boiling points. Graphene鈥檚 many covalent bonds are strong and substantial energy is needed to break them.
- good electrical conductivity. Each carbon atom has an unbonded electron. The unbonded electrons are delocalised electrons that are free to move and carry charge.
- very strong. Graphene鈥檚 strong covalent bonds makes it 100 times stronger than steel. It is also the thinnest material possible 鈥 one atom thick 鈥 and very lightweight and transparent.