Researchers at Korea’s Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) have succeeded in developing an innovative transparent film using graphene. The film’s transparency changes depending on the intensity of light, and is expected to be used in a variety of fields, including laser protection devices, smart optical sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI) photonic materials.
Graphene has been challenging to utilize in real-world applications due to issues with adhesion. Although chemical dispersants have been employed to address this problem, they often compromise graphene’s intrinsic properties. The ETRI team’s new photocurable graphene-dispersed colloid could address this issue and enable graphene to be stably and uniformly dispersed within a polymer without a dispersant.
The graphene colloid is reportedly so stable that it can be stored for long periods of time (over a year) without any graphene precipitation. Additionally, the researchers used ultraviolet (UV) light to transform the colloidal layer into a solid film, resulting in a new material that is easy to process while preserving graphene’s unique properties.
The researchers explained that the technology is environmentally friendly because the graphene-dispersed solution polymerizes to form the film and the entire graphene colloid is used to form the film, so no pollutants are generated. In addition, they explained that since it is a film manufacturing method employing light (UV) curing of the graphene colloid, it is advantageous for commercialization because it can be mass-produced in a continuous process, unlike conventional film-making methods that use molds or polymer solutions.
The developed graphene-dispersed photocurable transparent film could have many use cases. For example, it can detect and block strong light, so it would be great as a laser sensor and protective film to protect your eyes or equipment. It is also expected to be applied to smart optical sensors that can control the intensity of light and detect changes to create more precise advanced sensors, and AI optical materials that AI uses to perform computations using light. Utilizing transparent and uniform films could also have significant implications for the development of high-performance displays and optical devices, the researchers said.
Shin Hyung Cheol, director of the Human Enhancement & Assistive Technology Research Section, said: “This research paves the way for easier utilization of graphene. It will be an innovative material, especially in optical-related components and AI applications.”
ETRI researchers plan to continue further research to develop more precise and efficient optical and electronic materials by utilizing graphene’s diverse properties. They are also working with related companies to consider cooperation regarding commercialization research and mass production systems.
Source: ETRI team develops photocured transparent film using graphene
