Discover RED: Good Vibrations

University of Arkansas physics professor Paul Thibado has been studying graphene since its discovery in 2004. A single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice structure, graphene exists in a state of constant motion. Thibado’s breakthrough discovery was that the energy it produces from this motion could be harvested and stored in tiny batteries. These batteries are ideal for sensors embedded in hard-to-access places, such as underground pipe systems or interior aircraft cable ducts. The power these batteries provide is clean and potentially limitless. Thibado’s work has previously been featured by the university’s Determined site.