Graphene in architecture and construction
Among the different materials that are framing the new technological and innovative era of the construction sector, is the graphene, which undoubtedly proposes a nanotechnology revolution applied to the energy efficiency of the new modern architecture.
One of the first projects that was presented based on a graphene composite material It was the Hydra Skyscraper (Cover Image) by a Serbian multidisciplinary studio made up of Milos Vlastic, Vuk Djordjevic, Ana Lazovic, Milica Stankovic that was honored in architecture at the EVOLO awards.
It was intended, given the high thermal and electrical conductivity of this material, in addition to its great resistance surpassing in two hundred times to the steel, capture the energy produced during electrical storms and store the energy produced in mega-batteries located at the base of the building.
Future or not, the possibilities of a material that is revolutionizing both the field of technology and the various applications it can have could already be seen to come.
Later on, the concept “Graphene Loft” appeared (From the Arketiposchile studio - More info … HERE) A different form from the traditional, improving the use of structural elements, using the shape of the hexagon as a base, and the strength of graphene and its applications as the main material.
We can recognize that the graphene will be the material of the future. The latest studies carried out by some European universities have made it possible to obtain materials that considerably improve the performance of solar collector cells and their efficiencyAs a result of these investigations, it has been possible to obtain materials such as graphene airgel, which is characterized by being a lightweight and highly efficient material as thermal insulation.
A study by the University of UCAM demonstrates the efficiency of this innovative material against construction applications like concrete. We can read more from the article HERE … «the most immediate and necessary application is: that in pillars, tubes, roads, concrete walls and dams, elements that require greater durability over time, this additive will reduce the use of cements They pollute severely, which is good for the environment and will modify the traditional construction process of materials with concrete.
Graphene properties.
- Great conductor of electricity: It far exceeds the properties of materials that we usually use such as copper and requires less electricity to transport energy than other materials such as silicon, so that graphene is capable of generating electrical energy from the energy of the sun.
- Huge hardness. It is a material about 200 times harder than steel, and can be assimilated to that of diamond. That is why we talk about it being resistant to wear and tear, and capable of supporting high loads.
- Great flexibility It has great elasticity which makes it a moldable material, thus allowing a great variety of applications.
- It can react with other substances. This property allows the creation of new materials from its initial structure, with the possibility of increasing its applications.
Also according to research by a team of Spanish scientists it can absorb all the light in its atomic monolayer, being able to capture the light of different colors, which make it ideal for the development of photosensory materials for application in high-efficiency photovoltaic solar collectors, because the collectors that are currently manufactured are developed with semiconductor materials such as silicon, so that they can only capture and absorb a part of infrared radiation received from the sun.
Graphene and its applications in construction: Insulation and high-efficiency equipment.
Between the graphene applications Within the field of construction, and in particular to improve energy efficiency in buildings, the following materials obtained from it stand out:
- Graphene airgel, which, since it is the lightest and most efficient material as thermal insulation, allows its application to obtain high-performance energy saving solutions.
- Sheets of about 5 mm thick of graphene airgel may be used as insulation., with which we are talking about much smaller thicknesses than traditional insulators, which will allow a great saving of space and improvement of energy efficiency, not only in the construction of buildings, but also in the manufacture of solar panels. In addition to its minimal thickness, it is a very flexible and strong material, highly resistant to mechanical actions and easy to install.
- In the manufacture of double tube solar panels in order to isolate the connection between the panel and the water storage tank.
- Titanium oxide coatings of nanoparticles, for coating and protection of tubes , which improves their efficiency and duration and protects them from the action of external agents such as inclement weather, ultraviolet rays, and other types of mechanical actions. Titanium oxide has very good properties as a photocatalyst and protects the tube from any external aggression.
- Manufacture of photovoltaic solar panels with cells made with graphene airgel, given its high performance by absorbing all sunlight and its good performance as a photosensitive material, facilitating their assembly and installation as it is a lightweight material, increasing its useful life and improving its efficiency and performance and reducing costs for the Business
- Manufacture of connection cables in highly efficient solar panels, due to the lower conductivity rate of the airgel, making it very useful and especially in solar installations.
It is an extremely strong, elastic material and its innumerable and amazing qualities have made it known as the name of the"Miracle material". Hailed by many experts as the ingredient that will revolutionize electronics, it is also expected to reach architecture and engineering to dethrone the all-powerful concrete and even the toughest steel.
The following video explains some of its most important applications of graphene:
In addition to these applications, the field of nanotechnology presents many others that can be applied within construction, which can help us improve the quality of the finished building as well as that it can be energy efficient and above all respectful with the environment.
Some of his graphene applications They are aimed at improving the thermal insulation of building envelopes with minimum thicknesses (See article on types and properties of insulating materials), manufacture of materials or alloys resistant to corrosion, that do not rust, durable, resistant to action fire, humidity, ease of maintenance and cleaning, etc.
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Links of interest:
- Innovative materials. Where to look?
- Living and ecological urbanism.
- Heating and cooling by algae.
- Natural light and lighting.
- Green Lighthouse Denmark building.
- Plastic in current architecture.
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Article prepared by Jose Luis Morote Salmeron (Technical Architect - Energy Manager) Access to its website HERE, in collaboration withOVACEN.
