Scientists knew that one atom thick, two-dimensional crystal graphene existed but the big question was how it could be made and no-one had ever thought that graphite and few pieces of tapes were the answer to it. However, it was finally discovered by two researchers, Professor Andre Geim and Professor Kostya Novoselov in 2004 and they were awarded with Nobel Prize in Physics for their wonderful discovery.
The University of Manchester, Graphene-“Andre and Kostya frequently held ‘Friday night experiments’ – sessions where they would try out experimental science that wasn’t necessarily linked to their day jobs.
One Friday, the two scientists removed some flakes from a lump of bulk graphite with sticky tape. They noticed some flakes were thinner than others. By separating the graphite fragments repeatedly, they managed to create flakes that were just one atom thick. Their experiment had led to graphene being isolated for the very first time.
This playful approach is fundamental to how both Andre and Kostya work. It is seen as both a useful way of maintaining interest as well as a means of generating new ideas.”