China's graphene development: re-application to avoid the low end of the industrial chain
August 05 13:19:23, 2025
After two European scientists won the Nobel Prize for their groundbreaking research on graphene, this remarkable material has quickly captured global attention. Within just a few months, it has become a hot topic worldwide due to its potential to spark a new era of material innovation. When Sichuan Jinlu Resin Co., Ltd. announced its collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Sciences to develop graphene, the domestic enthusiasm for this revolutionary material reached an all-time high.
It appears that both domestic and international companies are racing to seize the opportunities in this emerging field, which is expected to reshape the landscape of the materials industry and influence downstream sectors significantly. However, during a recent interview, many experts and business leaders warned that the investment risks in graphene are substantial, urging the industry to proceed with caution.
Revolutionary Potential of Graphene
Through interviews with experts and technical professionals, the reporter learned that graphene is a two-dimensional nano-material composed of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. Its thickness is only about 0.34 nanometers—roughly one hundred thousandth the diameter of a human hair. Despite being invisible to the naked eye, graphene holds immense promise for revolutionizing industries such as semiconductors, photovoltaics, lithium-ion batteries, and next-generation displays due to its exceptional electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and flexibility.
First, graphene is expected to dramatically accelerate computer processors. As the core material in semiconductor manufacturing, silicon has long been known as the "cornerstone" of microelectronics. Once replaced by graphene, computers could operate at vastly higher speeds. Researcher Zhang Guangyu from the Chinese Academy of Sciences explained that silicon-based processors face limitations when reaching 3 GHz at room temperature. The carrier mobility of silicon is around 1000–2000 cm²/Vs, while graphene's can reach hundreds of thousands or even millions, making it one of the most promising materials for next-generation electronics. This could lead to processors operating at 100 GHz or even 1000 GHz.
Second, graphene has the potential to transform touch screens and display technologies, enabling flexible and foldable devices. It is both transparent and conductive, making it ideal for use as a transparent conductive film in touchscreens and LED displays. Currently, indium tin oxide (ITO) is widely used, but it lacks the flexibility and durability of graphene. Replacing ITO with graphene could allow for the development of bendable or stretchable displays. South Korea’s Samsung and Sungkyunkwan University have already developed flexible transparent displays using multiple layers of graphene. If mass production becomes feasible, future smartphones might be rolled up like a pencil.
Third, graphene can significantly enhance supercapacitors, increasing their energy storage capacity by more than five times. Supercapacitors are critical in digital cameras, electric vehicles, smart meters, and renewable energy systems. With its ultra-large surface area, graphene offers an ideal solution for energy storage. Experiments show that graphene-based supercapacitors can store six times more energy than traditional capacitors of the same size.
Additionally, graphene can improve lithium-ion batteries by boosting their performance. Adding graphene to battery electrodes increases electrical conductivity. Studies show that graphene can achieve a specific capacity of over 540 mAh/g on the negative electrode, surpassing conventional graphite anodes, which typically offer only 370 mAh/g. When combined with carbon nanotubes, the capacity can even exceed 730 mAh/g.
Beyond these applications, graphene is also being explored for lightweight aircraft materials, ultra-strong body armor, and even “space elevator†cables, thanks to its strength ten times that of steel. These possibilities could lead to revolutionary breakthroughs across multiple fields.
The Rush for Innovation
Since the Nobel Prize was awarded, the global interest in graphene has surged. Many Chinese companies see this as an opportunity to lead the world in this new technology. Following the announcement of graphene-related projects, several listed companies saw sharp stock price increases. For example, after a senior executive from Shenzhen Beitui New Energy Materials Co. mentioned the company’s involvement in graphene, China Baoan’s stock price rose from 10.75 yuan to 19.16 yuan within a month. After announcing a successful small-scale test and patent submission, the stock hit the daily limit the next day, showing strong market confidence.
Other companies, such as Gansu Fangda Carbon New Materials, Sinosteel Jilin Carbon, ST Nanfeng, and Anhui Lihe, also experienced significant stock price surges, reflecting the intense demand for graphene in China. This frenzy highlights the growing recognition of graphene’s potential and the eagerness of investors to capitalize on its future.