Fireplaces create pollution and are difficult to maintain. Electric heaters can be bulky and energy-sucking. South Korea’s Graphene Square is using graphene, an ultra-thin, highly thermally conductive material made of carbon atoms, to provide an alternative. The Graphene Radiator is a virtual fireplace (featuring computer-generated holographic flames) that folds flat and can heat up to 167° F using just 200 watts of power—30% more efficient than electric coil heaters. With backing from Samsung, Graphene Square plans to produce 40,000 devices annually starting next year.
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