Graphene is the most important matter to increase the strength of any material. In this article, we shall discuss the electrical conductivity of graphene in detail.
Graphene conducts electricity because it has free electrons that move along its structure. The two-dimensional hexagonal carbon structure allows the free mobilization of electrons in the graphene matter. The electric flux is easily transmitted through the graphene, thus making it a good conductor of electricity.
We shall further discuss the electrical conductivity of graphene, the different uses of graphene as an electric conductor, whether it is a superconductor, and whether its oxides can conduct electricity. We shall also ponder on the fact behind why graphene is not used in electrical wires besides being a good conductor.
How does graphene conduct electricity?
The electrical conductivity of electrons is mainly because of the free electrons available in the atoms. Let us discuss how graphene can conduct electricity.
Graphene conducts electricity due to the drift of electrons capable of carrying the electric current and passing the electric flux through the matter. The chemical formula of graphene is C6H12O2, and each carbon atom shares a covalent bond with the three carbon and has free electrons due to the fourth bonded carbon.
Why is graphene a good conductor of electricity?
A good conductor of electricity allows the flow of electric flux through it. Let us discuss the reason behind the good conductivity of graphene in brief.
Graphene is a good conductor of electricity because it has loose bonded pair of carbon that allows the mobility of electrons, generating the electric current flow. The carbon molecules in graphene overlap the bonds producing pi bonds that give free electrons in the entire structure, making it conductive.
Electrical Conductivity of Graphene
The electron density in its volume determines the electrical conductivity of graphene. Let us talk about the electrical conductivity of graphene in detail.
The electrical conductivity of graphene is 80 × 106 S/m due to high electron mobility in its hexagonal structure of carbon atoms bonded by sharing pi bonds. The electrical conductivity of graphene is inversely related to its resistivity of current flow. It is directly dependent on the electron mobility in the matter.
Uses of Graphene as Conductor
Graphene being a good conductor of electricity, is used for various purposes. Let us discuss some uses of graphene as an electric conductor.
- Graphene is used in smartphones and PCs to keep ICs at low temperatures.
- Graphene is used in solar cells, touch screens, rubber and polymer fibres.
- Graphene is used to produce transistors, diodes, and Li-ion batteries.
- Graphene is used in strain, gas, and temperature sensors due to its chemical and thermal properties.
Is graphene a superconductor?
Superconductors are those that have high conductivity and zero resistance. Let us discuss whether graphene is a superconductor or not in brief.
Graphene is a superconductor as the electrons’ agility, and concentration is high in its matter. This is achieved only when the two layers of graphene, a two-dimensional structure, are placed together at a certain angle so that the electrons in each layer can conduct the flow of electric current.
Is graphene more conductive than copper?
The conductivity of each element depends on the total amount of electric flux passing through it. Let us comparatively discuss the conductivity of copper and graphene.
The conductivity of graphene is higher than that of copper. The electrical conductivity of copper is 59.8 × 106 S/m which is 70% less than graphene’s conductivity. Copper has a single valence electron, while graphene pi-bond electrons are free to move and increase the conductivity of the graphene.
Why is graphene not used in wires?
Despite being a good conductor with much higher conductivity than copper, graphene is not used in electrical wire. Let us learn the fact behind this.
Graphine is not used in electrical wires because it is costly and requires high maintenance. Also, graphene can come in contact with the oxygen in the air and becomes oxidised, and graphene oxide is not an electrical conductor. Moreover, graphene is magnetic and shows attractive behaviour in the magnetic field.
Does graphene conduct electricity better than graphite?
Graphite is a crystalline form of carbon made up of stacked layers. Let us discuss whether graphene is a better conductor than graphite or not.
Graphene conducts electricity better than graphite because it has delocalized free electrons with high density that propagates across the cross-sectional area of graphene. Graphite has a strong carbon-carbon bonding; thus, the mobility of the electrons due to the strong bonding is impossible.
Does graphene oxide conduct electricity?
Most of the oxides of metal are nonconductors of electricity. Let us discuss whether graphene oxide conducts electricity or not.
Graphene oxide does not conduct electricity as free electrons of graphene form bonds with the oxygen atoms. These electrons bond with two oxygen atoms to form oxides, thus leaving behind no free electron to conduct electricity.
Does graphene conduct heat?
A matter is said to be a good conductor of heat if it allows the heat to flow across it. Let us discuss whether graphene is a conductor of heat or not.
Graphene is a good conductor of heat because it allows heat flux to pass through it. The thermal conductivity of graphene is 5300 W/mK which is higher than the thermal conductivity of copper. The electrons shared in pi bonds transmit the heat across the area of the graphene matter.
Conclusion
We can conclude from this article that graphene is a good conductor of heat and electricity due to the presence of the free electrons shared during the formation of pi bonds. Graphene oxide is not a good conductor of heat and electricity. It radially forms bonds with oxygen and thus can be used in electrical wires.
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Hi, I’m Akshita Mapari. I have done M.Sc. in Physics. I have worked on projects like Numerical modeling of winds and waves during cyclone, Physics of toys and mechanized thrill machines in amusement park based on Classical Mechanics. I have pursued a course on Arduino and have accomplished some mini projects on Arduino UNO. I always like to explore new zones in the field of science. I personally believe that learning is more enthusiastic when learnt with creativity. Apart from this, I like to read, travel, strumming on guitar, identifying rocks and strata, photography and playing chess.