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Graphene: The Wonder Material Amidst Hype and Reality
Despite the breathless headlines, it is not clear when completely new things from the wonder material, graphene, will appear. Graphene, just one atom thick yet 200 times stronger than steel, extremely conductive but see - through and flexible, has shot to fame since its discovery in 2004 by UK - based researchers Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, for which they were awarded the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics.
We've heard the facts. We've read about how graphene could push the boundaries of today's technology in almost unlimited ways. We've even pictured an elephant balanced on a pencil. But looking past the headlines, it's clear that a lot of the most exciting areas of graphene science are still in the early stages. It will be years, decades perhaps, before we see the first graphene - enhanced smartphones, aeroplanes or bulletproof vests. But beyond these pie - in - the - sky promises, the underlying research is gathering pace.
“if anything, the progress of graphene has been quicker than other comparable materials,” says Andrea Ferrari, director of the Cambridge Graphene Centre at the University of Cambridge, UK. He points out that for the first few years after graphene's discovery in 2004, most research was restricted to academia, and was fundamental physics. “it was only around 2009/2010 that applied university departments and companies really started taking notice of this material – we are just four years in.”
There has been a surge in graphene - related patents over the last few years – the total number published more than doubled from 2012 to over 9000 in 2014. More than three quarters of these were filed in China (47%), Korea (13%) or the US (18%).
The media has played a significant role in the perception of graphene. On one hand, it has helped bring this revolutionary material to the public's attention, which has in turn attracted more researchers and funding to the field. However, it has also been guilty of over - hyping the potential of graphene. Sensational headlines claiming that graphene will revolutionize every aspect of our lives overnight have created unrealistic expectations. This has led to some public skepticism when the promised graphene - based products haven't materialized as quickly as expected.
1. What can we know about graphene from the text?
A. It has been widely used in various fields.
B. It was discovered by two researchers from the US.
C. It has extraordinary physical properties.
D. It is the strongest material in the world.
2. According to Andrea Ferrari, _.
A. graphene's progress is slower than other materials
B. most graphene research was applied in the first few years after 2004
C. companies started to focus on graphene around 2004
D. graphene research has been developing relatively fast
3. What is the impact of the media on graphene?
A. It only brings positive effects to the research of graphene.
B. It has created unrealistic expectations and public skepticism.
C. It has reduced the number of graphene - related patents.
D. It has discouraged companies from investing in graphene research.
4. What is the best title for the text?
A. Graphene: A Promising Material with a Long Way to Go
B. Graphene: The Future of Technology
C. Graphene: Over - hyped and Useless
D. Graphene: The Key to Solving All Problems

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