Vibrating membranes are the cornerstone of acoustic technology, forming the backbone of modern acoustic transducers. Acoustic performance of a membrane is derived mainly from the membrane’s size, surface mass and achievable static tension. Applicability of graphene in acoustic transducers is in strong correlation with its electrical and mechanical properties.

Single or multi-layer graphene and graphene paper membranes in acoustic transducers are a novel but active field of applied research, which has shown that graphene can play different roles in acoustic technology. For example, single layer graphene and graphene aerogel were used to produce thermoacoustic devices [1]. Multilayer graphene was used as a membrane in electrostatic and electrodynamic loudspeakers [2], but also in several prototypes of condenser microphones [3]. Most recent research successfully combines graphene and other materials as a membrane material, taking advantage of the excellent conductive properties of graphene with the high dielectric constant of polymers.

This presentation will give an overview of graphene for acoustic applications, with a focus on our multilayer graphene condenser microphone and graphene paper loudspeaker. We will analyse recent trends in the field of graphene for acoustics and attempt to identify future trends.

[1] C. S. Kim et al, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 8, 22295 (2016)
[2] Q. Zhou and A. Zettl, Appl. Phys. Lett. 102, 223109 (2013)
[3] D. Todorovic et al, 2D Materials 2, 045013 (2015)