Why is graphene only a recent discovery?

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SUMMARY

Graphene, a two-dimensional carbon allotrope, has gained significant attention only recently despite being foundational to studies of carbon nanotubes and fullerenes. The delayed discovery is attributed to historical limitations in belief regarding the stability of 2D crystal structures and the lack of advanced instrumentation necessary for its study, which has only become widely available in the last 15-20 years. Techniques such as Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM), developed in the 1980s, have been crucial for graphene research. Additionally, producing large sheets of high-quality single-layer graphene remains a challenge, with only a few research groups globally capable of achieving this.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of carbon allotropes, specifically graphene and its relation to carbon nanotubes and fullerenes.
  • Familiarity with advanced materials science concepts, particularly 2D materials.
  • Knowledge of Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) techniques.
  • Awareness of micro-Raman spectroscopy applications in material characterization.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the latest advancements in graphene production techniques, focusing on methods for synthesizing large sheets.
  • Explore the applications of Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) in nanomaterials research.
  • Study the principles and applications of micro-Raman spectroscopy in characterizing graphene.
  • Investigate the theoretical frameworks surrounding the stability of 2D materials and their implications for future research.
USEFUL FOR

Materials scientists, nanotechnology researchers, and anyone involved in the development and application of advanced materials, particularly those focused on graphene and its potential uses.

Doofy
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We've been making things out of graphite for ages, which certainly has its uses, but interest in graphene has just started to take off recently. It's hailed as a miracle material and it seems that it was right under our noses all along - how come it took such a long time to be discovered?
 
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Although graphene was well studied, because all mathematical studies for carbon nanotubes and flullerene (C60) start from the graphene sheet, it came late.
There were some tries to produce it but with no success.

Some people may say that this is because there were a limiting belief around that stated that it was no possible to have a stable 2D crystal structure as it will immediately fold or roll up.
 
Also, in order to study graphene you need pretty good instrumentation and many of the techniques used have only been widely available for 15-20 years. It is easy to forget that e.g. all the SPM techniques were invented in the 80s.
I am not sure how long micro-raman has been around.

Furthermore, making graphene is stilll not easy if you want large sheets, there are only a handful of groups around the world that can grow good quality single layer graphene.
 

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