Description

Ever since the discovery of isolated single-atom-thick graphite layers by the “Scotch tape method” in 2004, the unique two-dimensional carbon crystal named graphene has emerged as a rapidly rising star in materials science and modern physics. As compared to other carbon allotropes, graphene and its derivatives (e.g., graphene oxide, graphane, fluorographene) have exhibited many exceptional properties: increased carrier mobility, optical transmittance, and thermal conductivity, a unique Young’s modulus, high electrical conductivity, better stretching and flexibility, stronger chemical/physical stability, and wider biocompatibility. These unusual properties of graphene and its derivatives have guaranteed their potential in different disciplines. To date, despite a short history, graphene has already revealed a wide array of both fundamental research and broad applications.

Based on the mechanical, electrical, optical, and thermal properties mentioned above, graphene and its derivatives have been promising as core components for many developing smart devices after more than a decade of basic research. For instance, graphene and related materials are very sensitive to a range of stimuli (such as gas molecules and biomolecules), pH values, mechanical strains, electrical fields, as well as thermal and optical excitations. Thus, they have revealed the potential for cutting-edge applications including chemical-, strain-, and biology sensors, actuators, as well as biomimetic surfaces.

This Research Topic focuses on highlighting recent advances in graphene-related materials and technologies for these cutting-edge applications. We encourage researchers working in the fields to submit their latest research findings or review articles dealing with themes that include, but are not limited to:

 • Advanced preparing and processing technologies for graphene and its derivatives
 • Graphene-based sensing devices
 • Graphene-based smart actuators and soft robots