Scientists have recently demonstrated that graphene inherently allows the passage of protons. Through employing scanning electrochemical cell microscopy, they found that protons not only traverse the graphene crystal but also move more quickly near its nanoscale creases. This unexpected finding contradicts previous theories and has profound implications for propelling the hydrogen economy. The use of sustainable 2D crystals like graphene could replace the existing expensive and environmentally detrimental catalysts and membranes.
This discovery around graphene’s natural ability to facilitate proton transport, particularly near its nanoscale wrinkles, may herald a transformative era in the hydrogen economy by proposing sustainable alternatives to current catalysts and membranes.
Researchers from the University of Warwick and the University of Manchester have finally unraveled the long-existing mystery regarding graphene’s unusually high permeability to protons, a phenomenon that previous theoretical models failed to explain.
A decade ago, the permeability of graphene to protons was first evidenced at The University of Manchester. This was a surprising discovery that went against theoretical predictions, suggesting that it would be almost impossible for a proton to pass through graphene’s dense crystalline formation. This inconsistency led to theories that protons might be moving through tiny defects, or pinholes, in the graphene structure.
A recent joint study between the University of Warwick and The University of Manchester, published in Nature, has finally clarified this matter. Utilizing highly precise spatial resolution measurements, the researchers conclusively established that perfect graphene crystals do allow proton transport, with the added revelation that protons are greatly accelerated around the graphene crystal’s nanoscale irregularities.
The potential ramifications of this pioneering discovery are vast for the hydrogen economy. Present techniques for hydrogen production often depend on expensive and environmentally taxing catalysts and membranes. The substitution of these with eco-friendly 2D crystals like graphene may become key in advancing the production of green hydrogen, cutting carbon emissions, and supporting a transition to a Net Zero carbon future.
Using scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM), the scientists were able to measure small proton currents in regions the size of nanometers, visualizing the distribution of these currents through graphene membranes. Had the protons been confined to holes in the graphene, the currents would have been localized, but such concentration was not detected, refuting theories of defects in the graphene structure.
Graphene, consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms configured in a 2D honeycomb pattern, is famed for its exceptional strength, conductivity, and thinness. It is considered one of the most versatile and promising materials in scientific and technological applications.
The study’s lead authors, Dr. Segun Wahab and Dr. Enrico Daviddi, articulated their amazement at the complete lack of defects in the graphene crystals, affirming the intrinsic permeability of graphene to protons. Surprisingly, they observed that proton currents were sped up around the nanometer-sized wrinkles in the crystals, due to the effective ‘stretching’ of the graphene lattice. This observation reconciles experiment and theory.
The researchers see this as a groundbreaking insight, with comments highlighting the effectiveness of the techniques used and the thrilling possibilities it opens up for future membranes and separators involving protons.
The research team is hopeful that this novel discovery may lead to innovative hydrogen technologies. The unique acceleration of ion transport and chemical reactions through the catalytic activity of irregularities in 2D crystals could pave the way for the development of inexpensive catalysts for hydrogen-related applications.
Reference: “Proton transport through nanoscale corrugations in two-dimensional crystals” by O. J. Wahab, E. Daviddi, B. Xin, P. Z. Sun, E. Griffin, A. W. Colburn, D. Barry, M. Yagmurcukardes, F. M. Peeters, A. K. Geim, M. Lozada-Hidalgo, and P. R. Unwin, 23 August 2023, Nature.
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06247-6
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Graphene
What is the breakthrough discovery about graphene?
The breakthrough discovery is that graphene inherently allows protons to pass through it and even accelerates them around its nanoscale wrinkles. This was observed using scanning electrochemical cell microscopy, and it defies previous theories. The discovery has significant potential to revolutionize the hydrogen economy by replacing costly and environmentally harmful catalysts and membranes with sustainable 2D graphene crystals.
Why is graphene’s permeability to protons significant?
Graphene’s permeability to protons is significant because it offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to existing catalysts and membranes used in hydrogen production. This could play a pivotal role in advancing green hydrogen production, reducing carbon emissions, and aiding the shift towards a Net Zero carbon environment.
What technique was used to observe the proton transport through graphene?
The researchers employed a technique called scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM). This method allowed them to measure tiny proton currents in nanometer-sized regions, enabling them to visualize the spatial distribution of proton currents through graphene membranes.
How does this discovery impact the hydrogen economy?
The discovery carries immense significance for the hydrogen economy. By replacing current mechanisms that rely on costly and environmentally unfriendly catalysts and membranes with sustainable 2D crystals like graphene, it could lead to advancements in green hydrogen production and contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions.
Who were the researchers involved in this study?
The researchers involved in this study were from the University of Warwick and the University of Manchester, with lead authors including Dr. Segun Wahab and Dr. Enrico Daviddi. The joint effort was spearheaded by Prof. Patrick Unwin at Warwick and led by Dr. Marcelo Lozada-Hidalgo and Prof. Andre Geim at Manchester.
What are the potential applications of this discovery?
The potential applications of this discovery include the development of low-cost catalysts for hydrogen-related technologies and next-generation membranes and separators involving protons. It may open up exciting possibilities for the design of new materials and accelerate the transition towards environmentally sustainable energy solutions.
5 comments
This could be the change we needed, especially considering our environmental issues. let’s hope this is pushed forward fast.
A very detailed and in-depth article. More like this please! the future of hydrogen economy seems bright with this.
Dont know much about science, but if this makes green energy cheaper, I’m all for it. Go science!
wasn’t graphene already used in tech? now it’s contributing to green energy? mind boggling. technology is advancing so fast its hard to keep up.
Truly amazing what science can do! Graphene’s properties are nothing short of groundbreaking. I can see a lot of industries changing with this discovery.