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The first functional graphene-based flexible display has been produced

Published Sep 5th, 2014 9:30PM EDT
Graphene Flexible Display Video Demo

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Graphene has been called a “magical” material that may hold the key to better electronic gadgets, both when it comes to device durability but also electrical abilities, as various research teams are figuring new ways to put the astonishing material to good use. Reports have so far detailed longer-lasting batteries based on graphene, significantly improved wireless data speeds using antennas made of the material, while some people are interested in using it for better sound, but it looks like graphene can also be used to build flexible displays.

Researchers from the Cambridge Graphene Center and Plastic Logic managed to build the first such product, a flexible display that could equip a variety of gadgets in the future.

“The new prototype is an active matrix electrophoretic display, similar to the screens used in today’s e-readers, except it is made of flexible plastic instead of glass. In contrast to conventional displays, the pixel electronics, or backplane, of this display includes a solution-processed graphene electrode, which replaces the sputtered metal electrode layer within Plastic Logic’s conventional devices, bringing product and process benefits,” a University of Cambridge report says.

Even so, it’s not clear when such displays will be used or what the first devices to include flexible displays based on graphene will be launched, as research into this wonder material continues.

A video showing this display in action follows below, while the detailed report explaining some of the tech behind such graphene flexible displays is available at the source link.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.