A resilience to extreme conditions by the most transparent, lightweight and flexible material for conducting electricity could help revolutionize the electronic industry, according to a new study.
Researchers from the University of Exeter have discovered that GraphExeter—a material adapted from the ‘wonder material’ graphene—can withstand prolonged exposure to both high temperature and humidity.
The research showed that the material could withstand relative humidity of up to 100 percent at room temperature for 25 days, as well as temperatures of up to 150 degrees Celsius—or as high as 620 degrees Celsius in vacuum.
The previously unknown durability to extreme conditions position GraphExeter as a viable and attractive replacement to indium tin oxide (ITO), the main conductive material currently used in electronics, such as ’smart' mirrors or windows, or even solar panels. The research also suggests that GraphExeter could extend the lifetime of displays such as TV screens located in highly humid environments, including kitchens.
