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New material may replace silicon
Electronic Products ^ | 10/4/12 | Written by:Bård Amundsen/Thomas Keilman. Translation: Glenn Wells/Carol B. Eckmann
New material may replace silicon - Electronic Products
Electronic Products ^ | 10/4/12 | Written by:Bård Amundsen/Thomas Keilman. Translation: Glenn Wells/Carol B. Eckmann
New material may replace silicon - Electronic Products
Norwegian researchers are the worlds first to develop a method for producing semiconductors from graphene. This finding may revolutionise the technology industry.
The method involves growing semiconductor-nanowires on graphene. To achieve this, researchers bomb the graphene surface with gallium atoms and arsenic molecules, thereby creating a network of minute nanowires.
The result is a one-micrometre thick hybrid material which acts as a semiconductor. By comparison, the silicon semiconductors in use today are several hundred times thicker. The semiconductors ability to conduct electricity may be affected by temperature, light or the addition of other atoms.
Fantastic potential
Graphene is the thinnest material known, and at the same time one of the strongest. It consists of a single layer of carbon atoms and is both pliable and transparent. The material conducts electricity and heat very effectively. And perhaps most importantly, it is very inexpensive to produce.
Given that its possible to make semiconductors out of graphene instead of silicon, we can make semiconductor components that are both cheaper and more effective than the ones currently on the market, explains Helge Weman of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Dr Weman is behind the breakthrough discovery along with Professor Bjørn-Ove Fimland.
A material comprising a pliable base that is also transparent opens up a world of opportunities, one we have barely touched the surface of, says Dr Weman. This may bring about a revolution in the production of solar cells and LED components. Windows in traditional houses could double as solar panels or a TV screen. Mobile phone screens could be wrapped around the wrist like a watch. In short, the potential is tremendous.