Researchers from the University of Exeter, UK, have discovered an innovative new method to produce the wonder material graphene significantly cheaper, and easier, than previously possible.
The research team, led by Professor Monica Craciun, have used this new technique to create the first transparent and flexible touch-sensor that could enable the development of artificial skin for use in robot manufacturing.
Craciun, from Exeter's Engineering department, believes the new discovery could pave the way for "a graphene-driven industrial revolution" to take place.
The Exeter researchers have now discovered a new technique, which grows graphene in an industrial cold wall CVD system, a state-of-the-art piece of equipment recently developed by UK graphene company Moorfield.
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This so-called nanoCVD system is based on a concept already used for other manufacturing purposes in the semiconductor industry.
This new technique grows graphene 100 times faster than conventional methods, reduces costs by 99 per cent and has enhanced electronic quality, researchers said.
The team believes that the sensor can be used not just to create more flexible electronics, but also a truly-flexible electronic skin that could be used to revolutionise robots of the future.
"Emerging flexible and wearable technologies such as healthcare electronics and energy-harvesting devices could be transformed by the unique properties of graphene," said Dr Thomas Bointon, from Moorfield Nanotechnology and former PhD student in Craciun's team at Exeter.
"The extremely cost efficient procedure that we have developed for preparing graphene is of vital importance for the quick industrial exploitation of graphene," he said.