Graphene: Key Notes and Top 25 MCQs for UPSC Exam
If you are interested in amazing inventions of science and technology, then you must know about Graphene. It is a single-layer carbon atom structure that is not only strong but also flexible, transparent, and an excellent conductor of electricity. This article is specially designed for you to know how this material works, its scientific properties, uses in industries, challenges, and future prospects.
Table 1: Applications of Graphene in Different Fields
| Field | Applications of Graphene |
|---|---|
| Electronics |
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| Energy Storage |
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| Biomedical |
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| Defense |
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| Water Purification |
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| Textile Industry |
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| Construction |
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| Automobile Industry |
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| Aerospace |
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| Sensor Technology |
|
What is graphene?
Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms connected in a honeycomb (hexagonal) pattern.
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It was first extracted from graphite in 2004 by Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, for which they received the Nobel Prize in 2010.
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Graphite has many layers, whereas Graphene exists in just one layer, which makes it unique.
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It is transparent, flexible, and 200 times stronger than steel, as well as very light in weight.
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Its ability to transmit electricity and heat makes it ideal for electronic and energy systems.
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Even today, it is prepared in laboratories by many techniques such as Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and mechanical exfoliation.
What are the properties of graphene?
Graphene is called a "Wonder Material", and there are many scientific reasons behind this.
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Being the best conductor of electricity, it can be used in transistors and batteries.
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It is transparent and thin, making it ideal for touch screen and display technology.
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Its mechanical strength makes it strong and flexible, so that it can be used in the manufacture of lightweight but strong materials.
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Its thermal conductivity is very high, so it can help keep electronic devices cool.
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It is chemically active, so it can be used in sensors, filtration systems, and medicine.
How is graphene useful?
The use of graphene is not limited to laboratories today, but it has entered various fields.
It is utilized in electronics to create flexible screens, sensors, and incredibly quick transistors.
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In the field of energy, charging can be done very fast with graphene-based batteries and supercapacitors.
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In biomedical fields, it is being used for the delivery of medicines, cancer treatment, and as a biosensor.
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In strategic use, it can be used in bulletproof jackets, lightweight armor, and drone structures.
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In water purification technology, graphene is being used in nanofiltration and desalination.
What are the prospects of graphene?
India is also not behind in the discovery and production of this cutting-edge material.
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Institutes like IIT Mandi, IIT Delhi, and IISc Bangalore are doing research on Graphene.
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The Government of India has planned to set up the National Graphene Institute, which will promote domestic manufacturing and innovation.
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Graphene-based startups like Log 9 Materials are working in electric batteries and energy systems.
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Domestic production of Graphene-based products is being started under the Make in India campaign.
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India is also paying special attention to it for defense research, especially in the development of lightweight security equipment.
Table 2: Graphene Key Properties
| Graphene Property | Features |
|---|---|
| Electrical Conductivity |
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| Transparency |
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| Mechanical Strength |
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| Thermal Conductivity |
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| Chemical Reactivity |
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What challenges are related to Graphene?
Despite the immense possibilities of Graphene, there are many challenges in its manufacture and use.
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Its production at the industry level is still expensive and complex.
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Quality control is a big problem because not every sample is made the same.
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Some research has revealed health hazards from its long-term use.
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If it is produced carelessly, it can cause environmental pollution.
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Graphene-based technologies are still not fully commercialized on a large scale.
What is your responsibility regarding graphene?
If you are a student, scientist, or associated with the industry, then your responsibility towards this material increases even more.
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Get the right information about Graphene, avoid rumors and false claims.
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Students should do projects and studies based on it to increase innovation.
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Scientists should find ways to use it safely.
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Investors should recognize the possibilities in this field, which will promote startups in India.
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As an aware citizen, understand both its possibilities and risks.
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Top 25 MCQs on Graphene for UPSC & Other Competitive Exams
Graphene is a revolutionary nanomaterial with exceptional strength, conductivity, and applications. These MCQs help aspirants prepare for UPSC and other competitive exams through concept-based questions.
1. What is Graphene essentially composed of?
a) Silicon atoms
b) A single layer of Carbon atoms
c) Nitrogen and Hydrogen
d) Iron oxide
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Answer: b) A single layer of Carbon atoms
[Image of graphene molecular structure]
Graphene is an allotrope of carbon consisting of a single layer of atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice.
2. Graphene is often described as a "2D Material" because:
a) It has no mass
b) It is only one atom thick
c) It looks like a cartoon
d) It has two electrical poles
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Answer: b) It is only one atom thick
It is the thinnest material known to man. Millions of layers of graphene stacked together make up graphite (pencil lead).
3. Who were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics (2010) for groundbreaking experiments regarding Graphene?
a) Einstein and Bohr
b) Watson and Crick
c) Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov
d) Marie Curie and Pierre Curie
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Answer: c) Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov
They successfully isolated graphene at the University of Manchester using the famous "Scotch tape method" to peel layers off graphite.
4. Which geometric shape best describes the lattice structure of Graphene?
a) Square
b) Triangular
c) Hexagonal (Honeycomb)
d) Circular
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Answer: c) Hexagonal (Honeycomb)
The carbon atoms are bonded in a repeating pattern of hexagons, giving it exceptional structural stability and strength.
5. How does the electrical conductivity of Graphene compare to Copper?
a) Much lower
b) About the same
c) Significantly higher
d) Graphene is an insulator
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Answer: c) Significantly higher
Graphene is one of the best conductors of electricity at room temperature due to the high mobility of its electrons.
6. What is the hybridization of carbon atoms in Graphene?
a) sp
b) sp2
c) sp3
d) dsp2
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Answer: b) sp2
Each carbon atom is bonded to three others (sp2 hybridization), leaving one free electron per atom for conductivity.
7. Why is Graphene considered for use in flexible electronics and touchscreens?
a) It is cheap
b) It is transparent, conductive, and flexible
c) It is heavy
d) It glows in the dark
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Answer: b) It is transparent, conductive, and flexible
It absorbs only 2.3% of light (nearly invisible) yet conducts electricity, making it perfect for bendable phones and solar cells.
8. In terms of strength, how does Graphene compare to Steel?
a) It is weaker
b) It is roughly equal
c) It is about 200 times stronger
d) It is brittle like glass
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Answer: c) It is about 200 times stronger
Despite being lightweight, the strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms make it the strongest material ever tested.
9. Which potential application involves Graphene membranes?
a) Making concrete harder
b) Desalination (Water filtration)
c) Soundproofing
d) Cooking food
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Answer: b) Desalination (Water filtration)
Graphene oxide sieves can block salt ions while allowing water molecules to pass, potentially revolutionizing clean water access.
10. What is "Graphene Oxide"?
a) Rust on graphene
b) A compound of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen
c) Burnt graphene
d) A gas form of graphene
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Answer: b) A compound of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen
It is an oxidized form of graphene that is easier to mass-produce and disperse in water, often used as a precursor to make graphene.
11. Graphene is an allotrope of which element?
a) Silicon
b) Germanium
c) Carbon
d) Boron
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Answer: c) Carbon
Other allotropes of carbon include diamond, graphite, and fullerenes (buckyballs). They differ only in atomic arrangement.
12. Why is Graphene considered excellent for "Thermal Management" in electronics?
a) It insulates heat
b) It has extremely high thermal conductivity
c) It melts easily
d) It freezes heat
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Answer: b) It has extremely high thermal conductivity
It dissipates heat efficiently, preventing smartphones and computer chips from overheating better than copper or aluminum.
13. Graphene improves the performance of "Supercapacitors" by providing:
a) More weight
b) High surface area for charge storage
c) Slower charging
d) Chemical instability
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Answer: b) High surface area for charge storage
Its immense surface area allows it to store more energy and charge/discharge much faster than traditional batteries.
14. If you roll up a sheet of Graphene into a cylinder, what do you get?
a) A Carbon Nanotube (CNT)
b) A Buckyball
c) A Diamond
d) Graphite
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Answer: a) A Carbon Nanotube (CNT)
Carbon nanotubes are essentially seamless rolled-up tubes of graphene sheets and share many of its amazing properties.
15. What is the major hurdle currently preventing widespread commercial use of Graphene?
a) It is toxic
b) High cost of large-scale mass production
c) It dissolves in air
d) Lack of raw material
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Answer: b) High cost of large-scale mass production
Producing high-quality, defect-free graphene sheets in large quantities at a low cost remains a significant manufacturing challenge.
16. Graphene is often added to tennis rackets and bicycle frames to:
a) Make them look shiny
b) Reduce weight and increase durability
c) Increase friction
d) Conduct electricity
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Answer: b) Reduce weight and increase durability
Graphene composites are lighter and stronger than standard carbon fiber, improving sports equipment performance.
17. Which term describes the property of Graphene being able to stretch without breaking?
a) Brittleness
b) Elasticity
c) Solubility
d) Magnetism
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Answer: b) Elasticity
Graphene is highly elastic and can be stretched up to 20% of its original length without incurring permanent damage.
18. Graphene is impermeable to almost all gases, except:
a) Oxygen
b) Nitrogen
c) Water Vapor (under special conditions)
d) Helium
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Answer: c) Water Vapor (under special conditions)
While it blocks helium, research suggests that water can evaporate through graphene oxide membranes, aiding in filtration.
19. What is "CVD" in the context of Graphene production?
a) Carbon Vapor Destruction
b) Chemical Vapor Deposition
c) Cold Vacuum Drying
d) Crystal Vertical Design
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Answer: b) Chemical Vapor Deposition
CVD is a method used to produce high-quality graphene by depositing carbon atoms from a gas onto a substrate (like copper foil).
20. Does Graphene have a "Band Gap"?
a) Yes, a large one
b) No, it has a zero band gap
c) Yes, but only when frozen
d) It depends on the color
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Answer: b) No, it has a zero band gap
This means it cannot be easily switched "off" like silicon, which is a challenge for using it in digital logic transistors.
21. The "Scotch Tape Method" used to isolate graphene is formally known as:
a) Mechanical Exfoliation
b) Chemical Peeling
c) Laser Ablation
d) Thermal Reduction
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Answer: a) Mechanical Exfoliation
It involves repeatedly peeling layers of graphite using adhesive tape until only a single atomic layer remains.
22. What is "Twisted Bilayer Graphene" (Magic Angle Graphene)?
a) Graphene mixed with plastic
b) Two layers rotated slightly to exhibit superconductivity
c) Crumpled graphene
d) Graphene paint
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Answer: b) Two layers rotated slightly to exhibit superconductivity
When rotated at a "magic angle" of roughly 1.1 degrees, the material can conduct electricity with zero resistance.
23. Graphene sensors are extremely sensitive because:
a) Every atom is on the surface
b) They are magnetic
c) They are radioactive
d) They are heavy
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Answer: a) Every atom is on the surface
Since it is 2D, every atom is exposed to the environment, allowing it to detect even a single molecule of gas.
24. Which Indian institute established a "Center of Excellence for Graphene"?
a) IIT Bombay
b) IISc Bangalore
c) Digital University Kerala (with CMET)
d) IIT Delhi
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Answer: c) Digital University Kerala (with CMET)
The India Innovation Centre for Graphene was announced in Kerala to foster R&D and commercialization of graphene products.
25. Why is Graphene called a "Wonder Material"?
a) It is expensive
b) It is magical
c) It combines strength, conductivity, and flexibility
d) It is blue in color
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Conclusion
Graphene is a carbon material that can form the basis of hardware for the future technological revolution. It is not only strong, light, and smart, but its impact can be felt in every sector, like energy, health, electronics, and security. If it is used with caution and awareness, it can prove to be a boon for humanity. Now is the time for us to research, learn, and adopt it.
Online Courses, Books, and Websites
Table 3: Online Courses, Books, and Websites
| Category | Resources |
|---|---|
| Online Courses |
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| Reference Books |
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| Websites |
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