College of Manchester and Nationwide Bodily Laboratory scientists have established a world benchmark for verifying graphene’s single-atom thickness.
The benchmark was established utilizing high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The work is reported within the journal 2D Supplies.
Graphene has the potential to revolutionize numerous sectors, together with electrical autos and smartphones, however solely the place its high quality may be assured. The College of Manchester has spearheaded the most important world research geared toward establishing a brand new worldwide commonplace for assessing the single-atom thickness of graphene.
The analysis crew has created a reliable methodology that can function the muse for future industrial benchmarks. The research helps the event of a brand new ISO technical specification for graphene.
To include graphene and different 2D supplies into industrial purposes, from lightweight autos to sports activities tools, contact screens, sensors, and electronics, you have to know you’re working with the precise materials. This research units a world benchmark that trade can belief.
Dr. William Thornley, The College of Manchester
“Electron diffraction has lengthy been used to tell apart monolayer from few-layer graphene, however it’s usually utilized with out a full remedy of uncertainties. By collaborating throughout 15 main labs. together with the unique pioneers, we’ve mapped the pitfalls and proven methods to get dependable outcomes,” added Dr. Evan Tillotson.
We’ve designed this protocol so it really works in actual labs, not simply in specialist facilities. And for organizations with out TEM functionality, we are able to present measurements commercially by our partnership with the Royce Institute.
Sarah Haigh, Professor, Supplies, The College of Manchester
The outcomes are immediately integrated into the ISO/TS 21356-2 worldwide commonplace, which is at the moment in press and anticipated to be printed in 2026.
This work builds on the NPL Good Apply Information 145 ‘Characterization of the Construction of Graphene’ developed in partnership with the College of Manchester, and certainly one of NPL’s most downloaded guides.
Dr. Andrew Pollard, Principal Scientist and Technique Lead, Floor Expertise Group and Superior Supplies, Nationwide Bodily Laboratory
Journal Reference:
Pollard, A., et al. (2025). A big interlaboratory electron diffraction research of monolayer graphene. 2D Supplies. DOI: 10.1088/2053-1583/ae2ca1.