Researchers develop novel process to 3-D print one of the strongest materials on earth

Researchers from Virginia Tech and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a novel way to 3-D print complex objects of one of the highest-performing materials used in the battery and aerospace industries.

Previously, researchers could only print this material, known as graphene, in 2-D sheets or basic structures. But Virginia Tech engineers have now collaborated on a project that allows them to 3-D print graphene objects at a resolution an order of magnitude greater than ever before printed, which unlocks the ability to theoretically create any size or shape of graphene.

Because of its strength—graphene is one of the strongest materials ever tested on Earth—and its high thermalandelectricity conductivity, 3-D printed graphene objects would be highly coveted in certain industries, including batteries, aerospace, separation, heat management, sensors, and catalysis.