New material may replace silicon

[ScienceRocks]

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

Norwegian researchers are the world’s 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 it’s 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.”

 

[uscitizen]

Kewl!

Why did those liberals have to develop it though.
USA #1!

 

[whitehall]

Um, silicon is cheap, basic and easy to produce. What's the advantage to using graphene? Democrats bought stock in the stuff?

 

[ScienceRocks]

Um, silicon is cheap, basic and easy to produce. What's the advantage to using graphene? Democrats bought stock in the stuff?

Far stronger for much less. 100 times stronger. Do you people even read?

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.

I swear between the Marxist wanting to destroy our system and the far right. What future does America have?

 

[whitehall]

Um, silicon is cheap, basic and easy to produce. What's the advantage to using graphene? Democrats bought stock in the stuff?

Far stronger for much less. 100 times stronger. Do you people even read?

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.

I swear between the Marxist wanting to destroy our system and the far right. What future does America have?

"Stronger"? What does the word strong mean in the electronic world?

 

[flacaltenn]

Ga-As semiconductor tech has been around for 40 years. The twist is arranging the atoms on a graphene carrier. This is the equivalent of building atom by atom instead of "pouring some material" and hoping for purity and process control.

The big advantage I see here is heat conduction. Because we've gone to lower and lower voltages to the point of jeopardizing data integrity in silicon. AND the need for fancy packaging and fans. If you can SHAPE this stuff -- you increase surface area (while cutting the volume) and heat sinking ability.