University of Exeter scientists discovered that GraphExeter, an adaptation of graphene, is durable to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity. This makes the material not only a transparent, flexible and lightweight conductor, but a resilient one at that. The scientists predict major importance of this discovery for various electronic applications (and a possible ITO replacement).
GraphExeter is a University of Exeter discovery, and is made of sandwiched molecules of ferric chloride between two graphene layers. It turns out that this creates a unique conductor with many useful traits, which is also now proving to be durable: the researchers found that it can withstand relative humidy of up to 100% at room temperature for 25 days, as well as temperatures of up to 150C or as high as 620C in vacuum.
GraphExeter's durability makes it a potential ITO replacement, currently in use in various energy and electronic applications. The Exeter research even suggested that GraphExeter could extend the lifetime of displays such as TV screens located in highly humid environments.
Back in 2012, GraphExter was discovered and already hypothesized as a potential ITO replacement.