CAJ #6 - The potential use of graphene in the smart phone industry

We already know that graphene is the thinnest and lightest material in the world. It is almost entirely transparent and conducts heat and electricity better than silicon and copper. Thanks to this, it could revolutionize the smartphone industry. Many big companies are currently conducting research on how to use graphene to make smartphones thinner and flexible. It could also help develop wearable devices, such as smart watches and Internet-connected wristbands.

Samsung’s researchers discovered a method that would allow a single crystal of graphene, to retain its electrical and mechanical properties across a large area. They came to the conclusion that graphene’s electron mobility is 100 times greater than that of silicon. So far silicon has been the most widely used material in components that power many modern devices, such as smartphones, tablets and computers. By replacing silicon with graphene those components would become thinner and potentially allow super thin, transparent screens. Furthermore, graphene would deliver Internet to smartphones 100 times faster than the conventional way because it would convert light faster than the materials used in today’s existing smartphone components. This would make 3G and 4G a matter of history.

The application of graphene in technology would lead to the invention of wearable devices. Existing smart watches would be made lighter and added a screen, just as fitness bands. The future of these devices could look more like this: 

It is still unclear when graphene will find its way into our everyday technology and become available to the masses but Samsung researches are hoping to do it as soon as possible. Their goal is to bring phones that are completely bendable and foldable on the market by 2015. In January 2013 they officially launched their bendable OLED displays, calling them YOUM displays. In October 2013 they introduced the world’s first product to use a flexible OLED display – the Galaxy Round, a curved smartphone. This phone is similar to the Galaxy Note 3 but its display is flexible. If you follow this link you can watch Samsung’s YOUM flexible display demonstration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJehexDPEsE .

YOUM flexible display

Samsung Round

XOXO A.