Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical molecules made out of carbon. In the late 1990s they became one of the new revolutionary materials of the nanotech hype. Carbon nanotubes were believed to replace silicon in transistors and that they could be used to build an elevator into space. None of the predictions came true. In recent years the nano hype has faded and a new material, graphene, is now presented as the new revolutionary material. In laypersons term graphene is a carpet made out of carbon, one atom layer thick. Graphene is already used in touch-screens and transistors and future uses might be artificial limbs, bendable touchscreens, and stronger building materials.
What is not so well know is that graphene is manufactured in a similar manner to carbon nanotubes, using the same machines, by researchers who often previously worked with carbon nanotubes. From the scientists perspective graphene is basically carbon nanotubes cut and rolled out into a carpet.
This paper explores how scientists who worked with carbon nanotubes and now work with graphene perceive risks associated with the two materials. The study is based on ethnographic fieldwork at Chalmers Technical University in Gothenburg between 2003-2004 and 2015-2016.
In short, the scientists do not perceive risks with carbon nanotubes and graphene. If there are any risks they are in the manufacturing phase as carbon nanotubes and flakes of graphene can be inhaled and cause health issues. But it is not something discussed or reflected upon by most nanoscientists. A common reply among the scientists why carbon nanotubes and graphene are safe is because it consists of carbon and that they are familiar with the material. The nanoscientists in the study have a positive understanding of the materials they work with which influences their understanding of carbon nanotubes and graphene as safe. From the scientists perspective what is new with carbon nanotubes and graphene is not the material, which are carbon atoms, but the engineering thereof. In the same sense as clay engineered into bricks are safe are carbon atoms engineered into tubes and carpets safe.