Graphene's Microscopic Wrinkles Found to Generate Electrical Charge

Researchers discovered that microscopic wrinkles in graphene, a single-atom-thick material, can significantly alter its electrical properties. This quantum flexoelectricity generates electrical charge through material deformation, with polarization up to 10 million times greater than in larger systems. This finding opens new avenues for designing materials where structural control dictates properties, potentially leading to advancements in sensors and ultra-thin electronic devices.