KERI grows graphene and graphite films on substrates at room temperature for low-loss power applications

Researchers at Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) have modified a standard sputtering system to grow graphene and graphite thin films directly on substrates at room temperature. The method eliminates the usual transfer step, enabling large-area, layered films for power cables and thermal management. This could reduce energy loss and heat generation in electrical systems, supporting grid efficiency and decarbonization efforts. Using epitaxial growth during physical vapor deposition, the team controls layer count from monolayer graphene to multilayer graphite. Since sputtering is already common in industrial coating, the approach may scale more easily than existing processes. Real-world validation is still pending, but the potential for lower-loss conductors and better heat handling makes this worth tracking for clean energy infrastructure.