Graphene is an allotrope of carbon consisting of a single layer of atoms arranged in a two-dimensional hexagonal lattice, often described as a one-atom-thick sheet. This material possesses exceptional properties, including being one of the strongest and lightest substances known, with extraordinary electrical and thermal conductivity. The answer to whether you can buy graphene is definitively yes, but its commercial availability is segmented based on the intended purpose. The raw material is purchased by researchers and industrial manufacturers in various forms, while the general public primarily acquires it as an additive integrated into finished consumer products.
Common Forms of Purchased Graphene
Raw graphene is not a single, uniform product; it is a family of materials that are sold in different physical states to suit various manufacturing needs. One common form for industrial applications is Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNP), which are tiny stacks of a few graphene layers sold as a powder. These platelets are typically produced through the liquid-phase exfoliation of graphite and are favored for use in composites and coatings where bulk strength or volume is needed.
Another widely available form is Graphene Oxide (GO), which is created by chemically treating graphite with strong oxidizers, giving it oxygen-containing functional groups. GO is highly dispersible in water, making it easy to process into liquid solutions and coatings. When GO is further processed to remove some of the oxygen groups, it becomes Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO), which exhibits improved electrical properties closer to those of pristine graphene.
For high-end electronic applications, buyers seek Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Graphene, which is a continuous, single-layer film grown on a metal substrate like copper. This is a “bottom-up” production method that results in a two-dimensional sheet with very few defects. CVD graphene is then typically transferred onto a different substrate, such as silicon or plastic, to be used in advanced devices like sensors and transparent conductors.
Current Consumer Products Utilizing Graphene
The public primarily interacts with graphene in products where it is used as an additive to boost performance characteristics. Sporting goods were among the first consumer items to incorporate the material, leveraging its high mechanical strength and lightweight nature. Tennis racket frames and bicycle components, for instance, utilize graphene to enhance stiffness and durability without adding significant mass.
Graphene’s exceptional thermal and electrical properties have made it valuable in electronics and energy storage devices. Fast-charging batteries and supercapacitors are being developed to utilize the material for faster charging times and improved energy density. Furthermore, smartphone manufacturers are integrating graphene into thermal interface materials and heat spreaders to efficiently dissipate heat from high-performance processors.
Specialized coatings and composites also use graphene to achieve desired material improvements. Graphene-enhanced rubber in bicycle tires, for example, is engineered to offer lower rolling resistance and better grip simultaneously. Other applications include specialized thermal coatings for racing vehicle components and conductive inks used in printed electronics and smart packaging.
Pricing and Purity Considerations for Buyers
The cost of graphene varies dramatically, ranging from approximately US\(100 to US\)10,000 per kilogram, which reflects the vast difference in purity and physical form. Industrial-grade powders, such as Graphene Nanoplatelets or Graphene Oxide, are the most affordable options, with costs for bulk orders starting as low as $50 to $1,000 per kilogram. These materials are suitable for applications like composites and coatings that can tolerate a wider range of layer thickness and defect density.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, high-purity, research-grade CVD graphene films are priced by area, not weight, and can cost thousands of dollars per square meter. This premium price is due to the demanding production process required to create a single, continuous atomic layer. High-performance electronic applications, which require a uniform, monolayer structure and minimal defects, necessitate this expensive form.
The price is directly tied to quality metrics like the number of layers and defect density. Single-layer graphene is substantially more expensive than few-layer or multi-layer material because of its enhanced electronic performance. Buyers must source their material from specialized chemical and material suppliers, as graphene is not sold through standard retail channels.