A new study from The Australian National University (ANU) has found a number of 2D materials can not only withstand being sent into space, but potentially thrive in the harsh conditions.
It could influence the type of materials used to build everything from satellite electronics to solar cells and batteries - making future space missions more accessible, and cheaper to launch.
PhD candidate and lead author Tobias Vogl was particularly interested in whether the 2D materials could withstand intense radiation.
"The space environment is obviously very different to what we have here on Earth. So we exposed a variety of 2D materials to radiation levels comparable to what we expect in space," Mr Vogl said.
Read more at Australian National University
Image: Tobias Vogl, ANU Research School of Physics & Engineering. (Credit: Lannon Harley, ANU)