Zhao Jianguo

Applications of Graphene in the Field of Ecological Carbon Sinks

Under the strategic guidance of China's “Dual Carbon” goals, enhancing vegetation restoration and ecological carbon sink capacity in challenging habitats—such as saline-alkali land, desertified areas, and abandoned mining sites—has become a key priority in national ecological development. Research indicates that graphene materials show significant potential in improving stressed ecosystems. Graphene effectively optimizes the rhizosphere microenvironment, enhances soil water and nutrient retention, enriches beneficial microbial communities, and promotes root growth and development. Furthermore, it regulates plant secondary metabolism, improves the efficiency of photosynthesis and respiration, and induces differential expression of growth-related and stress-resistant genes. These mechanisms work synergistically to systematically boost plant survival and adaptation in adverse conditions such as salinity and desertification. As a result, graphene application significantly increases vegetation survival rates and biomass accumulation in difficult habitats, effectively enhancing carbon sequestration per unit area. This technology has been trialed and demonstrated across multiple regions in China, providing not only critical technical support for reclaiming the most challenging areas in national greening efforts but also fostering new quality productive forces in ecological management through the integration of new materials and forestry. It thereby offers scientific and technological assurance for strengthening forest and grassland carbon sinks and achieving the "Dual Carbon" goals on schedule.