Graphene from Coal Could Replace Sand in Concrete, Study Finds

The new concrete is 25% lighter but just as tough, potentially averting a looming 'sand crisis' and reducing carbon emissions.

Researchers at Rice University have found that graphene derived from metallurgical coke, a coal-based product, could replace sand in concrete, potentially averting a looming 'sand crisis'.
The graphene-based concrete is 25% lighter than traditional concrete but matches its toughness, and offers a higher strength-to-weight ratio.
Sand mining, which is largely unregulated, poses severe threats to river and coastal ecosystems and is outpacing natural replenishment rates.
Cement production, a key component of concrete, accounts for 8% of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions.
Metallurgical coke costs about the same as sand and makes up about 10% of the cost of concrete, suggesting that this alternative could translate into significant savings.