Development Trends of Graphene in China and Abroad

　　As a revolutionary new material, graphene boasts exceptional characteristics such as high electrical conductivity and superior strength and toughness, offering tremendous potential for future development. Last October, during his visit to the National Graphene Institute at the University of Manchester in the UK, Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out that “China is one of the most active countries in graphene research and application development.” To keep abreast of the latest developments in graphene and to strengthen scientific and technological exchanges between China and other countries, we will gradually introduce in-depth reports on cutting-edge technological innovations from leading domestic and international research institutions and enterprises, as well as on emerging trends in the graphene industry.

　　If God is said to have created all things in the world, then Konstantin Novoselov, who won the 2010 Nobel Prize for his research on graphene, is now striving to create something entirely different—going beyond graphene itself, designing performance from atoms all the way to finished products on demand, and exploring the new opportunities that this two-dimensional material offers.

　　In the laboratory, Konstantin Novoselov selected two-dimensional materials with different properties and integrated them layer by layer onto graphene—for example, by attaching a layer of boron nitride or molybdenum disulfide onto graphene, or even a nitride compound. He then examined the performance of the interfaces formed when these materials came into contact. Some electrons exhibited self-rotation; others underwent lateral displacement and spontaneously aligned themselves; and still others significantly boosted the quantum efficiency of LEDs—among other remarkable effects.

　　He once explained that in the future, it might be possible to artificially arrange molecules according to actual applications, enabling the arbitrary design of electronic and mechanical structures—from atoms all the way to finished products—as well as highly complex heterostructures. This could lead to the creation of materials that do not exist in nature and endow them with properties that they would never possess in the natural world. By doing so, we can explore even more potential applications of these materials and build an ideal “museum” of two-dimensional materials.

“China’s graphene research is broadly in sync with international efforts.”

　　Nowadays, Novoselov visits China several times almost every year—sometimes to deliver academic lectures, sometimes to promote educational development at universities and research institutions, and occasionally to learn about domestic cooperation projects and facilitate the industrialization process.

　　According to statistics, currently one-third of all papers published worldwide on graphene come from China. Novoselov shared his views on this topic. He confidently stated, “From basic research on graphene to its practical applications, China is broadly in sync with the international community; in some areas, it has even surpassed others, and in certain aspects, it has already come very close to the UK.”

　　Novoselov also offered some advice to the many students currently engaged in graphene research: “In terms of both effort and intelligence, I don’t think Chinese students are any different from their counterparts abroad. Normally, I’m not one to hand out advice left and right, but when it comes to graphene research, I believe the most important thing is to stay true to yourself and commit wholeheartedly to a topic that genuinely interests you—rather than chasing after whatever’s currently in vogue. And of course, you’ve got to be persistent and tenacious.”

　　Just as Xiao Nuo was about to return home, he unexpectedly received a special gift custom-made for him by China’s graphene industry—a graphene model craft created by Silver-Based Graphene New Materials Co., Ltd. using 3D printing technology. The black graphene molecular structure components were printed from high-molecular materials containing graphene, seamlessly integrating two groundbreaking technologies—graphene itself and 3D printing—and reflecting the future trend of technological development. Moreover, his name was engraved on the piece.

　　Novoselov chuckled and said that upon returning to the University of Manchester in the UK, he would set up a project specifically to have his students test whether this material is conductive. Finally, he concluded with heartfelt words: “So far, we’ve spent roughly two decades tirelessly pursuing research on graphene. I hope everyone will keep pressing forward, go even further along this path, truly realize the widespread application of graphene, and ultimately reap abundant rewards!”

Graphene and centrifuges are closely related in their development.

During the discovery of graphene, centrifuges played a crucial role in its oxidation and separation process. Shanghai Luxiangyi Centrifuge boasts extensive practical experience in the manufacturing and production of graphene centrifuges in China. Laboratories and research institutions are welcome to call for further inquiries.