Graphene for next-generation technologies: Advances in properties, applications, and industrial integration

• Graphene's superior strength, conductivity, and flexibility drive innovation in electronics, energy, and biomedical fields. • Challenges in graphene's scalability, cost, and integration must be addressed for widespread industrial adoption. • Advancements in graphene-based composites enable stronger, lightweight materials for aerospace and automotive sectors. • Graphene’s role in water purification and renewable energy systems enhances global sustainability efforts. • Future graphene applications include smart cities, next-gen electronics, quantum devices, and flexible wearables. Graphene is a transformative material across industries due to its exceptional properties. This review examines its mechanical strength, superior electrical and thermal conductivity, and high optical transparency. The potential application of graphene spans a wide range of fields, including the development of ultra-strong yet lightweight composite materials and next-generation electronic devices that leverage its high-speed performance. Additionally, this work examines its role in the advancement of flexible and transparent touch displays, as well as state-of-the-art, cutting-edge water filtration systems. Despite its enormous promise, challenges remain in scaling up production, preserving quality, and addressing safety and health concerns. Furthermore, this study discusses the prospective impact of graphene on biomedical applications, renewable energy systems, smart cities, and other areas. This study strengthens the case for graphene as a future wonder material by outlining the current level of research, the material's applications, and the possibilities and obstacles the sector has faced and will face.