1 April, researchers at the Napa Valley Research Institute announced the discovery of a new two-dimensional material—grapene—that could one-day rival silicon in computers, steel in cars, and chocolate in candybars. (Yes. We know. That’s what they all say.) The new substance exists in flat sheets, connected by strong bonds composed of cellulose and lignin. In bulk form, its natural state, it’s found hanging in chaotically-arranged bunches.
“I’ve been really impressed by what I’ve seen in our tests so far,” said Allen Vindemiator, who led the team at Institute that isolated the new material. He and his colleagues have been experimenting with two variants: red and white grapene, which show subtle differences. They are split at the moment on which one seems more promising.
