Penta-Graphene: A Breakthrough in Carbon Science

An international team of scientists, under the leadership of Professor Puru Jena of Virginia Common- wealth University in Richmond, has made a pioneering discovery in the field of carbon science. The team has uncovered a never-before-seen structural form of carbon known as penta-graphene. This discovery opens up a new chapter in our understanding of the versatility and potential of carbon, one of the building blocks of the universe. This material differs from traditional graphene, consisting of five layers of carbon atoms arranged in a unique pattern. The discovery promises to open up new avenues in the field of materials science, as penta-graphene exhibits distinct electrical and mechanical properties that can potentially be utilized in various applications. This single layer material resembles the Cairo tiling and has been found to be thermally, mechanically and dynamically stable. 

Figure: Penta-graphene

Professor Puru Jena and his colleagues employed the power of computer modeling to simulate the synthesis of this wondrous material, with the results revealing its remarkable potential. Possessing immense strength and the capability to withstand scorching temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Kelvin, penta-graphene stands as a beacon of hope in the world of materials science.

Unlike graphene, which is a conductor of electricity, penta-graphene showcases its uniqueness as a semiconductor. The most amazing things is that when graphene is rolled up, it forms a carbon nanotube, which can either be metallic or semiconducting. If penta-graphene is rolled up, it also creates a nanotube, but with the unique characteristic of always being semiconducting. In term of tensile and compressive strain when you stretch graphene, it expands in the direction of stretching and contracts in the perpendicular direction. Conversely, when you stretch penta-graphene, it expands in both directions. Not only this, having Negative Poisson’s Ratio as mechanical properties makes this materials more beautiful for the application of new nanotechnology.