I studied graphene for my bachelor’s degree. On my course we did an analysis of its scientific properties. I knew that it comes from graphite, it’s two-dimensional and only one atom thick, for example. Also that it conducts electricity better than copper. But there’s a lot I didn’t know that I discovered at this private view of Wonder Materials: Graphene and Beyond, such as the possible uses for the material.
The exhibition, at the Museum of Science and Industry is split into three sections, past, present and future. The past focuses on the scientists who first isolated the material. We’ve known about graphene for a long time, but it was isolated by the scientists Prof Andre Geim and Prof Kostya Novoselov, who were working at Manchester University in 2004. There are other materials that are similar, but graphene was the first 2D material to be created in a lab.
The exhibition curator, Sarah Baines, said the scientists were keen that the exhibition was about graphene rather than about them. But there was quite a bit about the two of them and I liked that as they have quite an inventive approach. They change their area of expertise every five years, to be the people asking the stupid questions and thereby challenge existing thinking.
The present section looked at scientists using graphene today. There’s a lot of research in the UK; there are graphene centres in Manchester and Cambridge, but there’s also research all around the world. I think what stood out most was how the scientists were studying the material and the imagination behind their thinking.
Before graphene was isolated, people thought it would replace silicon in computers but that turned out to be a dead end. Now scientists need to find places for graphene – so they’re having to reinvent the wheel. Graphene is a solution for a problem we’ve not yet encountered.
There is a possibility that you could use it to make tiny machines. For example parts like tiny springs, as it’s so strong and it’s only one atom thick. It could also potentially be used in battery technology.
I’m still studying science. My PhD is based around how different materials can detect low levels of light, for example for use in fibre optic or internet connections where there’s a low signal. The devices I’m making would be able to use this low signal and turn it into something much bigger.
Xiao Collins is a physics PhD student at Lancaster University.
This event took place at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester on 24 September 2016. To find out about upcoming Guardian Live events, sign up to become a Member.
