We all know about potentials of wonder material Graphene. Now scientists are looking out for the new and improved ways to produce it.
In a big breakthrough, researchers from Rice University have demonstrated a new processing technique that can convert a wide range of trash products into “flash graphene” in a cheap and efficient manner.
Rice University chemist James Tour, said, “With the present commercial price of graphene being $67,000 to $200,000 per ton, the prospects for this process look superb,”
How they did this wonder?
Scientists made ‘Flash graphene’ in 10 milliseconds by heating carbon-containing materials to 3,000 Kelvin (about 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit). Scientists used high-energy pulses of electricity to turn any source of carbon into valuable graphene flakes. This procedure can convert a ton of coal, food waste or plastic into graphene. Process is fast and is very cheap in comparison to other bulk graphene-producing methods.
Tour said, “This is a big deal,” “The world throws out 30% to 40% of all food, because it goes bad, and plastic waste is of worldwide concern. We’ve already proven that any solid carbon-based matter, including mixed plastic waste and rubber tires, can be turned into graphene.”
