Today, Royce joins the scientific community in celebrating 20 years since the first isolation of Graphene by Sir Andre Geim and Sir Kotsya Novoselov.
The discovery of graphene, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010, is widely regarded as one of the most groundbreaking achievements in materials science. Graphene was the first truly 2D material ever isolated and although theorised for decades, it wasn’t until 2004 that it was only successfully isolated and characterised.
Graphene’s discovery had a profound impact on the scientific community, sparking a surge of research into 2D materials and opening new avenues for scientific research and technological innovation.
Royce recognises the transformative potential of graphene and other 2D materials, leading the development of its own dedicated 2D Materials Research Area. This research aims to maintain the UK’s scientific leadership of 2D materials and nanomaterials composites, to support the creation of innovative SMEs and to increase productivity of the UK’s high-tech manufacturing sectors.
“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of graphene’s isolation, progress is being made across the manufacturing and value chain for the adoption of graphene and related 2D materials in a growing portfolio of applications.
I believe the most exciting applications are those where graphene is not merely replacing other off-the-shelf materials, but rather enabling high value, transformational use cases, with compelling benefits and significant improvements for the end user. But equally important are applications where graphene and 2D materials enhance the performance and sustainability of existing materials, contributing to a more circular economy.”
– Thanasis Georgiou, 2D Materials Research and Business Engagement Manager
Collaboration between industry and academia is crucial to accelerating the development and application of 2D materials like graphene. By fostering partnerships across sectors, Royce aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and commercial innovation, ensuring that breakthroughs in materials science translate into tangible benefits for the economy and society.
“Such technology developments require access to extensive expertise and facilities, a rich talent pool, and a growing ecosystem to facilitate knowledge transfer and share the risk associated with commercialisation. The Henry Royce Institute, with its focus on advanced materials research and innovation, plays a crucial role in fostering this ecosystem here in Manchester and beyond.”
– Thanasis Georgiou, 2D Materials Research and Business Engagement Manager
To learn more about graphene research at The University of Manchester, see here.
To learn more about our 2D materials research area, visit here.
