New research: graphene takes centre stage in latest MRS Bulletin

Read the special issue devoted to new wonder material graphene, free of charge.

An image of graphene Since its discovery in 2004, graphene's unique strength, conductivity and other properties have sparked a 'gold-rush' effect as scientists, companies and governments pour effort and funds into finding ways of using it in electronics, green energy, mobile devices, bioscience and other sectors.

Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged as a honeycomb-shaped lattice. It is expected to be the kind of wonder material that plastic has been in the modern world – and even a possible replacement for silicon in some applications.

MRS Bulletin Editor Gopal R. Rao comments: "It's an exciting time for graphene research and MRS Bulletin has captured this defining moment with wide-ranging articles from scores of experts across interdisciplinary materials fields. This issue is a must for materials scientists and for anyone interested in the future of materials we use every day in the objects around us."

There are no fewer than 22 articles devoted to every aspect of the fascinating material. The special issue is free until 28 February 2013 and can be viewed at: journals.cambridge.org/graphene

MRS Bulletin is published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Materials Research Society.