Foreword

Until recently, all materials known to man were bulk or three dimensional, having three spatial characteristics: length, width and thickness. Materials that are only one atom thick were presumed not to exist.

One of a sudden, graphene was found less than two decades ago. It is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged into a hexagonal crystal lattice. Graphene is not only the thinnest material in the universe, but its properties are truly amazing. For example, it is stronger than steel, conducts electricity better than copper and disperses heat better than diamond. The list of graphene's superlative properties is long and continues to grow. Importantly, graphene's discovery led to the development of many other similar materials that are also one atom or one molecule thick and called two-dimensional. They exhibit remarkable properties, too.

We are at the first stages of a technological revolution where such two-dimensional materials start to get utilized, bringing advances into practically every area of human endeavor. Among all atomically thin materials, graphene leads the way. It turned to be such a versatile material that people sometimes call it the industrial monosodium glutamate. There are many companies in the United States, Europe and Asia who push this revolution forward, but China is in front of the race.

The series Approaching the Magic Graphene explains cutting-edge science of graphene in terms understandable for the general public. The production team includes front-line researchers, high-school teachers and academic editors to ensure the authority, depth, clarity and excitement of the text. In this informative and beautifully styled presentation, along with a basic overview of graphene's science and technology, the authors show how developments in graphene-based science are already shaping our daily lives through a large number of illustrations and vivid examples.

Nobel Laureate Andre Geim

November 2022