Thomas Edison is a name many recognize for his groundbreaking inventions. A recent study from Rice University suggests he might have stumbled upon graphene—a remarkable material—way back in 1879. This wasn’t officially created until 125 years later.
Graphene is just one atom thick but incredibly strong, light, and flexible. It has unique properties that could allow it to conduct electricity extremely well and interact with quantum states. The journey of graphene began in 1947 when Canadian physicist Philip Wallace first theorized it. In 2004, physicists Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov isolated it, earning them the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010.
Interestingly, the new research suggests Edison’s early experiments with light bulbs might have created graphene inadvertently. This revelation came about through an accidental discovery. One common method to produce graphene involves flash Joule heating, which zaps carbon-based materials with extreme heat—more than 2,000 °C (3,632 °F).
Materials scientist Lucas Eddy at Rice University was curious about the simplest equipment to achieve this. Remembering Edison’s use of carbon filaments, he decided to recreate those early light bulbs using carbon-rich bamboo filaments. The bulbs were connected to a power source and turned on for short bursts, then analyzed.
When they looked at the filaments under a microscope, they noticed a color change from gray to silver. Tests confirmed that some of this material had transformed into graphene. However, this transformation was temporary; continued use would turn it back into regular graphite unless quickly collected.
If Edison had recognized what he created, it probably wouldn’t have benefited him at the time. Still, the findings inspire curiosity about the untapped potential of historical experiments. James Tour, a chemist at Rice University, remarked, “What other secrets lie hidden in the work of our scientific ancestors? What insights would they gain from modern techniques?”
Such discussions highlight the relevance of historical experiments in today’s science. Revisiting old work can provide new insights and innovative ideas, reminding us that the past is a rich resource for the future.
This research was published in the journal ACS Nano.
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