materiaux

Graphene is an extraordinary material, the only basic member of a family of 2D carbon materials. With its unique mechanical and physical properties, it is a superb filler at the nanoscale, in metal matrix composite materials. It can easily disperse into the matrix and is cheaper than its closest competitor, carbon nanotubes, which enhance strength and function. The increased surface-to-volume ratio of graphene also means that its properties are better reflected in the composite.

Packing tiny solar cells together, like micro-lenses in the compound eye of an insect, could pave the way to a new generation of advanced photovoltaics, say Stanford University scientists.