Digital University Kerala, Centre for Materials for Electronics
Technologies (C-MET) and Tata Steel are the implementation partners have signed
a Memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate in research and
innovation. As per the institutes, as part of the partnership, the centre will
undertake research and development, product innovation and capacity building
activities in the area of graphene and 2D materials ecosystem.
Graphene is often referred to as the wonder material for its
extraordinary electrical and electronic properties. It is the thinnest and
strongest material in the world ever known and has good chemical stability,
high electrical conductivity and a large surface area while being transparent
and lightweight. It is a 2D material, ie, it is a solid crystal with just
single layer of atoms arranged in ordered patterns. The emerging 2D
materials will have a wide range of commercial and industrial applications in
biomedical, defense, electronics, energy, and sensors in the future, claims the
institutes.
As per latest researches, Graphene could replace indium and thereby
bring down cost of OLED (organic light-emitting diode) screens in smartphones.
The centre will function as an anchor point to promote startups and commercial
research. Currently there are only very few graphene reseach centres globally,
the institute added.
Digital University Vice Chancellor Dr. Saji Gopinath, C-MET Director Dr.
N Raghu and Tata Steel Vice President (Technology and New Materials) signed the
MoU in the presence of Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal and Industries
Minister P Rajeeve in Thiruvananthapuram.
Finance Minister K N Balagopal said that the establishment of graphene
innovation centre will be a boost to the industry in the state as new startups
and SMEs could leverage the advantages of the extraordinary structural, thermal
and electrical properties of graphene to innovate new products and services.
He added that the existing industrial organisations could also enhance
the quality of their products and services exploring the possibilities of
graphene.