Graphene-Enhanced Nanomaterial used to Protect Ancient Chinese Art

Chinese scientists from the Center for Nano Energy Materials (CNEM) of Northwestern Polytechnical University have created a compound of calcium hydroxide and graphene quantum dots in a water solution to protect ancient wall paintings. This graphene-enhanced nanomaterial compound was applied to ancient wall paintings in three tombs of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Carbonate, which is commonly found in these types of murals, damages over time. The graphene-enhanced calcium hydroxide reacts with carbon dioxide to create carbonate, and restore/enhance the paintings.