A new efficient lightbulb, believed to be the first practical application of the new wonder material graphene, has been unveiled at the University of Manchester in the UK.
The graphene lightbulb is claimed to produce lower energy emissions, have a longer lifetime and lower manufacturing costs than traditional LED lighting.
The bulb uses a graphene-coated LED shaped into a filament to provide light. It is claimed to be up to 10% more efficient than traditional LED lights, thanks to the substance’s excellent conductivity.
A company, Graphene Lighting PLC, has been set up to exploit the invention commercially and the lightbulbs are expected to go on sale within months. The University of Manchester has a stake in the company.
“This lightbulb shows that graphene products are becoming a reality, just a little more than a decade after it was first isolated – a very short time in scientific terms,” said Professor Colin Bailey, Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester.
“This is just the start. Our partners are looking at a range of exciting applications, all of which started right here in Manchester.
