What is graphene?

Posted on September 8, 2025

What is graphene?

Graphene is a single-atom-wide layer of strongly bound carbon atoms configured in a hexagonal lattice. It is equivalent to a single atomic layer of graphite and is unique because of its sp² hybridization and extremely thin atomic thickness of 0.345 nm. These properties make graphene very strong (200x stronger than steel), serving as an exceptional conductor of heat and electricity [1].

Figure 1. Graphene Is an Atomic-Scale Hexagonal Lattice Made of Carbon Atoms
(Source: AlexanderAlUS, via Wikimedia Commons).

The tight lattice of graphene combined with its very short carbon bonds (0.142 nm) provides its strength. It is the strongest material ever discovered, boasting an ultimate tensile strength of 130 GPa. Graphene is exceptionally light for its strength, weighing in at 0.77 mg/m², which is about 1,000x lighter than 1 m² of paper [1].

Graphene is additionally beneficial because it can be combined with a wide array of elements to create materials with even more advantageous properties. It is often used in aerospace applications and is still being tested in numerous fields for its possible uses [1].

Relevant Applications to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)

Structural and Thermal Components

Graphene has an impressive mechanical strength and is exceptionally tough. This makes it an ideal alternative to traditional metal materials when forming lightweight polymer composites for aerospace components. The use of graphene in composites results in aircraft having greater fuel efficiency, thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, wear-reduction performance, and strength‑to‑weight ratio [2].

Aviation Cables

Aviation cables are a crucial part of aircraft electrical interconnection systems and are used in radar, instrumentation, and electrical components. Graphene is considered a superior material for this application because it is a better conductor of electricity than commonly used metal materials like copper and aluminum [2].

Ballistic Protection

The U.S. Marine Corps ran tests on a graphene-based nanocomposite using Arctic Warfare (known as AW) precision rifles and military 7.62-mm x 51-mm full metal jacket (known as FMJ) ammunition. The traditional laminate used for ballistic protection underperformed compared to the nanocomposite. The graphene composite could withstand more impact without significant penetration and could distribute the energy from impact with greater efficiency [3].

Common Applications

There are various everyday DoD applications of graphene related to power and energy, communication systems, computer technology, information processing, and even water purification. Most applications are commonly used by DoD employees and affiliates in technological devices to carry out day-to-day responsibilities. These applications include but are not limited to: touchscreens (for light-emitting diode [known as LCD] or organic light-emitting diode [known as OLED] displays), transistors, computer chips, batteries, energy generation, supercapacitors, DNA sequencing, water filters, antennas, solar cells, and spintronics-related products [1].