Graphene: Bettering the World Through Wearable Technology

It is no secret that graphene is the pre-destined product of the future, especially when it comes to wearable technology. With the containment of high conductivity at such small spaces, graphene is predicted to reduce technology device size so small that it can be stitched into clothing. Recently, Nokia announced the utilization of graphene for their Radio Frequency flexible electronics with transistors reaching up to 39 GHz.

Graphene produced transistors are simplifying the process for RF electronics like amplifiers and mixers according to Azo Nano. Which is skyrocketing wearable technology into a completely saturated market with much promise thanks to graphene. But the team of scientists at IEMN-CRNA went even further beyond the super material’s already sterling properties to achieve record high frequency, at the above mentioned 39 GHz. “The use of such optimized and advanced materials leads to stability against bending and a record high frequency performance. The GFET, the graphene field effect transistor, continues to function even after 1,000 bending cycles and can be flexed to a radius of 12 mm with a cut-off frequency change of up to 10%.” So far, the device seems to overheat at the high frequency however, so the team is currently working to remedy this thermal stability issue. The polymers’ natural intuition and reaction to heat at the initiation of usage poses potential issues for device wearers.

As it is constantly breaking down barriers, the perfect duo of graphene and technology is not only making it more convenient to progress in these fields, but it is also bettering the quality of our world. For those that do not know, there are yearly contests held for wearable technology to gauge its functionality, durability and potential effect on our way of life. According to Wearable Technologies, In the 2016/2017 competition, a company by the name of Bonbouton created a smart clothes platform that allowed the users to “measure and track vitals as well as activity in a comfortable and unobtrusive manner” thanks to graphene and its ability to build a thermal sensor for the clothes. It was so miniscule it fit into a button! By utilizing the convenient size of a button, “the user was able to swap different clothes” based on the brand partners’ suggestions. This was possible all thanks to the overwhelming power that exudes from graphene in such a small amount of space.

More recently, the ICFO, the Institute of Photonic Sciences, presented wearable wellness devices in patch form. “The patch can monitor UV index and exposure, blood oxygenation, respirations rate and other health parameters. It has a lower power consumption as a LED is not necessary.” The disposable patch, due to its low cost, is predicted to have much success in the next year following formal commercialization.

These are just two examples of how graphene is bettering the quality, functionality, and helpfulness of technology with a lot more to come. We will see much progress in the medical field, computer technology, of course, wearable technology, cell phone usage and charging properties and so much more. Technology will improve but it is just small piece of what graphene will do for us on a global scale.