Flash graphene: From synthesis to potential applications

• Flash graphene is synthesised when organic carbon materials undergo flash joule heating process. • Flash joule heating occurs when electric current instantly raises the thermal energy of a material. • The unique properties and applications of flash graphene are due to their turbostratic structure. • The surface area of flash graphene is always low, despite the initial surface area of the carbon source. The global impact of the poor waste management practices in developing countries has begun to weary the developed nations of the world. For this reason, researchers have strived to provide sustainable solutions to the waste management crisis by improving the effectiveness of the existing waste management systems and developing new methodologies for converting waste into energy and useful materials. The latest breakthrough in conversion of waste into useful materials is the synthesis of flash graphene through flash joule heating technology. However, studies on flash graphene have remained niche research for a few authors, despite the unique properties and potential applications of flash graphene. Though this situation could be attributed to a number of factors, the authors believe that more researchers would be motivated to study the synthesis and applications of flash graphene if there were sufficient review articles on the subject matter. To this end, the authors have comprehensively reviewed the existing literature, with the primary objective of systematically discussing the research findings on flash graphene synthesis, characterisation and applications.