Graphene Research Wins Physics Nobel Prize 2010
The winners of the Nobel Prize 2010 where 2 Russian physics professors from the University of Manchester, England who are researching graphene, a 2 dimensional material.
The professors are Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov. Together they are researching a two-dimensional material that was discovered by Geim’s research group, the material is called graphene. What is graphene? According to CNN:
It consists of a hexagonal array of carbon atoms, just like those found in bulk graphite, but is "fundamentally different" from the familiar three-dimensional material, in part because it is flexible.
Huffington Post explained how graphene can be used:
The thinnest, strongest material known to mankind – a carbon vital for the creation of faster computers and transparent touch screens. [...] Experiments with graphene could lead to the development of new superstrong materials with which to make satellites, airplanes and cars, as well as innovative electronics
Geim wasn’t expecting an award, he though this year was going to astrophysics. He commented about the graphene research:
"Imagine 100 years ago and someone found amazing properties of polymers, and at that moment, you don't know what to do with polymers -- you can only imagine the range of applications. I hope that graphene and other two-dimensional crystals will change everyday life as plastics did for humanity."
This Tuesday the Nobel Prize 2010 winner was awarded to the graphene research, a $1.5 million award, but there are more winners to be announced. In these upcoming days the committee will also be awarding prizes in peace, literature, chemistry and economics.
Last year the research of the scientists that won the Physics Nobel Prize, led the two major digital era breakthroughs which where fiber optics and digital photography.