Abstract: Graphene is a two-dimensional material, merely one atom thick sheet of carbon arranged laterally in a honeycomb lattice. Its π-valence band and π^*-conduction band touch at two in-equivalent points in the honeycomb lattice Brillouin zone. In graphene, charge carriers exhibit giant intrinsic mobility and can travel ballistically over submicrons without scattering at room temperature. It is the thinnest electronic material and can be used to enable transistors operating at very high frequencies. This review analyzes trends in graphene research and applications, and attempts to identify future directions.

Key words: graphene, novel material, one-atom thick sheet of carbon