China-made graphene bulb to debut in UK

When President Xi Jinping visited BGT Materials Ltd based in the University of Manchester in October, he was shown the world's first graphene light bulb, which was manufactured in China.
The light bulb's global launch will begin in the United Kingdom this month, carrying with it the potential to change the lighting industry.


The UK-registered BGT claimed its graphene bulb has a longer lifespan and entails relatively cheaper production costs, and could emerge as a strong rival to the popular LED lights.


Graphene's ability to dissipate heat quicker than other materials will also give manufacturers more flexibility in designing lighting systems.


BGT, which contracts out manufacturing to suppliers in China, estimates sales of its product will reach 300,000 to 500,000 bulbs this year. The company said it would disclose more details like price at a later stage as they are confidential now.


It is expected that an 80-watt graphene bulb might be priced 5-6 pounds ($7.2-8.7) in the UK against 20 pounds for an LED bulb in the same range.


Graphene is one of the most interesting inventions of modern times. As a thin layer of pure carbon, it is tougher than a diamond, yet very lightweight and easily conducts electricity and heat. It has been used for a wide variety of applications, from strengthening tennis racket to building semiconductors.


Graphene was first isolated from the graphite mineral at the University of Manchester by Andre Geim and Kostya Novoselov in 2004. The achievement earned them the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2010. Owing to its short history, its commercial potential is yet to be unlocked.


The article transsshipment from China Daily