The present disclosure relates to efficient condensing operations and apparatuses. Methods of fabricating condensers and specifically condenser surfaces are also disclosed. A condensing apparatus can include a condenser surface having a substrate and one or more layers of graphene. The substrate can be formed of nickel and a nickel-graphene surface composite layer can be formed. The substrate-graphene composite can be highly durable, hydrophobic, and resistant to fouling. Dropwise condensation can be induced.