Despite the strength and conductivity of graphene, its magnetic properties have long eluded researchers. In 2013, scientists at the University of California, Berkeley discovered that magnetic fields are present under the right conditions. According to Nanotech Now, graphene nanostructures, when at room temperature, demonstrate properties similar to strong magnets. This discovery could lead to new frontiers in the scientific community, according to the source. By using a technique called refined functionalization chemistry, they could demonstrate the magnetic quality of graphene. This caused it to spin in 1- and 2-dimensional graphene nanostructures. In its raw form, graphene is a 2-D material that has a unique and potent electric conductivity. According to Nanowerk, this discovery could revolutionize the way energy efficiency is achieved. Furthermore, "The new functionalized graphene nanostructures pave a way to an unprecedented control of both electron band gap and spin properties, which is the key to enabling spintronic devices for energy-efficient, extremely fast information processing," said Dr. Jeongmin Hong, member of the UC Berkeley research team, to the news provider. Although these magnetic fields have yet to rival those found in larger magnets, such as cube magnets and bar magnets, research into this discovery is providing scientists with new methods for using graphene. What This Discovery Means and More with Apex Magnets We are constantly on the lookout for new magnet discoveries. For more updates on graphene, browse our neodymium magnet information and magnet facts sections of the blog or subscribe to our newsletter today.