Do you hear that? It’s graphene in acoustics and microphones

During Graphene Week 2021, Graphene Flagship Associated Members described their contributions to the graphene and layered materials community. This dedicated session included details of the fruitful collaboration and networking within our Graphene Flagship Partnering Division, and exclusive eye-openers on what is, and might be, possible with graphene.

Professor Dejan Todorović from Serbia was a great example. He is now working on his PhD on graphene in audio technology and, with his company Dirigent Acoustics (now a Graphene Flagship Associate Member), sees graphene as the ultimate microphone membrane material.

"Already in 2013, we recognized the exceptional electromechanical properties of graphene as a great choice for membranes of acoustic transducers", says Dejan Todorović.

Dirigent Acoustics soon turned their attention to microphones with graphene membrane, after an inquiry from Samsung Mobile and in cooperation with the ICTM institute among others.

What are the major advantages and applications of graphene in microphones?

"According to our research, we expect advantages such as high sensitivity, low self-noise, low distortion, high linearity, and high resistance to an aggressive environment."

The Serbian company is now further developing graphene microphones for specific applications. For instance, within the BorderUAS project funded by EU’s Horizon Europe 2020, also developing prototypes for studio microphones with a German manufacturer and looking toward commercialisation.

Can you foresee a wider application for graphene in acoustics?

"Yes, the first idea was to use this tiny membrane as the acoustic sensor. But also, you can use a different approach in a loudspeaker technology, you can already find some applications of using graphene for the loudspeakers for headphones. The graphene can be very successfully applied as a high-quality sound-insulation-material and already there are some people following this research."

What’s your verdict on being an Associated Member in Graphene Flagship?

"This is a privilege for our company. We can collaborate with the best laboratories worldwide, we are able to use the best high-quality material they produce. We consult them and it’s a big benefit, a great way forward toward industrialisation."