Breakthrough research on graphene materials

British scientists are studying to increase the light absorption capacity of graphene to increase the applicability of the world's thinnest material.

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The team, which includes two Nobel Prize-winning physicists Andre Mathim and Kostya Novoselov, have found that by combining nanostructures, Turns the light into electrical energy 20 times.

"Many of the world's leading electronics companies are considering using graphene for their next-generation devices. This new study adds to the opportunities for this ultra-thin material, " said Kostya Novoselov, co-discoverer of graphene materials .

According to Reuters, the previous studies have shown that electrical power can be generated by putting together two metal wires on the surface of graphene and graphene light on this. This method can be applied to create a simple solar panel.

High mobility and fast velocity of electrons in graphene medium enable graphene-based solar cell devices to convert light into electrical energy very fast - 10 times or even 100 times more than The speed of communication of the world's fastest optical fiber cable today.

However, the main obstacle to the application of graphene solar panels today is that the performance of this device is very low. The reason is that graphene material absorbs very little light, only about 3%, with the rest of the light passing through without creating electrical energy.

The team solved the problem by combining graphene with tiny metal structures, also known as plasmonic nanostructures , arranged specifically on the surface of graphene. By this method, graphene can absorb 20 times the light without affecting the speed of change.

'We hope plasmonic nanostructures can improve the performance of graphene-based devices. Graphene material seems to be a natural friend of plasmonics. "said Dr. Alexander Grigorenko, a plasmonic expert.