Graphene-Aurora Program

Context- Recently, the Graphene-Aurora program was launched at the Maker’s Village in Kochi, Kerala.

Graphene Aurora Program 

• Information: 

• • • This program is  implemented by the Digital University of Kerala, co-funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. 

• Purpose: 

• • By stimulating research and promoting commercialization, the program emphasizes cutting-edge graphene technology to help India establish a strong position in the global market for new materials. 
  • The proposed project, which aims to increase production of the valuable  carbon allotrope, marks a new chapter of innovation in the technological sector of the country. 

India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Center (I-GEIC): 

• A non-profit organization named “India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Center (I-GEIC)” will be created for the needs of the project. 

About graphene 

• Graphene is often called a wonder material because of its extraordinary electrical and electronic properties.  
• It was discovered in 2004 by Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010. 
• It is stronger than steel, highly stretchable and can be used as a flexible conductor. 
• Its thermal conductivity is much higher than that of silver. 
• Graphene has several properties that make it interesting for many different applications. 
• Finally, it is a thin, mechanically very strong, transparent and flexible wire. 
• It can be used in applications such as touch screens, light panels and solar cells.  

Applications of Graphene 

• Biomedicine: Better brain penetration, DIY health test kits, targeted drug delivery, “smart” implants and DIY health tests.
• Composites and Coatings: Combining graphene with already existing products to create so-called composite materials is one of the easiest and most effective methods to take advantage of graphene’s promise. 
• Electronics: Graphene has the potential to develop future electronics that today can only be found in science fiction. Advanced semiconductors, foldable phones and other electronics with faster transistors.  
• Battery: Graphene can significantly extend the life of a traditional lithium-ion battery, enabling faster charging and longer-lasting electronics.  
• Graphene films: When  gases and liquids are involved, graphene oxide films can create an impeccably tight seal. 
  • They are exceptionally good at removing water from the gas mixture and effectively separating the organic solvent from the water.  
• Sensors: Highly sensitive graphene sensors can detect small harmful particles and protect potentially dangerous environments. 
• Other applications: This includes anti-corrosion paints and coatings, accurate and fast sensors, fast and efficient electronics, flexible displays, rapid DNA sequencing, drug delivery and more.

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