Graphene could revolutionize the internet of things

EPFL researchers have produced a tunable, graphene-based device that could significantly increase the speed and efficiency of wireless communication systems. Their system works at very high frequencies, delivering unprecedented results. Wireless come in many forms - such as mobile phones using 4G or 5G connectivity, GPS devices, and computers connected via Bluetooth to portable sensors - and operate in different frequency bands. To work across multiple platforms, connected objects have to be compatible with a whole range of frequencies without being weighed down by excessive hardware. Most portable, wireless systems currently come equipped with reconfigurable circuits that can adjust the antenna to transmit and receive data in the various frequency bands. The only problem is that the technologies currently available like MEMS and MOS, using silicon or metal, do not work well at high frequencies. And that's where data can travel much faster.