College of Manchester and Nationwide Bodily Laboratory scientists have established a worldwide 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 automobiles 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 customary for assessing the single-atom thickness of graphene.
The analysis workforce has created a reliable methodology that can function the inspiration 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 automobiles to sports activities tools, contact screens, sensors, and electronics, it’s essential know you’re working with the precise materials. This research units a worldwide benchmark that business can belief.
Dr. William Thornley, The College of Manchester
“Electron diffraction has lengthy been used to differentiate monolayer from few-layer graphene, but it surely’s typically utilized with out a full therapy of uncertainties. By collaborating throughout 15 main labs. together with the unique pioneers, we’ve mapped the pitfalls and proven the best way 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 will present measurements commercially by means of our partnership with the Royce Institute.
Sarah Haigh, Professor, Supplies, The College of Manchester
The outcomes are immediately included into the ISO/TS 21356-2 worldwide customary, which is presently in press and anticipated to be revealed in 2026.
This work builds on the NPL Good Observe Information 145 ‘Characterization of the Construction of Graphene’ developed in partnership with the College of Manchester, and one among NPL’s most downloaded guides.
Dr. Andrew Pollard, Principal Scientist and Technique Lead, Floor Know-how 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.