Scientists have achieved a major breakthrough in the field of electronics with the creation of the world’s first functional semiconductor made from graphene, a material known for its strength, flexibility, lightness, and high resistance. This groundbreaking discovery comes at a critical time when silicon, the material currently used in the majority of modern electronics, is nearing its limitations. Researchers have been racing to develop graphene semiconductors due to their superior speed and energy efficiency compared to silicon.
Published in the journal Nature on January 3, the study showcases a functional graphene semiconductor that is suitable for use in nanoelectronics. This significant development could pave the way for the next generation of computing, opening up new possibilities in electronic component manufacturing.
Lead author Walter de Heer from the Georgia Institute of Technology expressed his excitement about the implications of this breakthrough, stating, We don’t know where this will end, but we know we’re opening the door for a major paradigm shift in electronics. Graphene is the next step. Who knows what the next steps are after that, but there’s a good chance graphene could take over as the paradigm for the next 50 years.
Silicon semiconductors, which serve as the foundation of classical computers, rely on the flow of electricity through silicon switches to represent binary code. However, these silicon-based semiconductors are approaching their limits. Semiconductors are essential to allow all computers to function. They allow us to create tiny switches which can be turned on and off, enabling the flow of electricity. It is this electricity flowing through electrical circuits that allows computers to perform calculations, explained Sarah Haigh, professor of materials at the National Graphene Institute, University of Manchester, UK.
While silicon has been the go-to material for semiconductors for decades, its energy consumption and cooling requirements pose challenges. In contrast, graphene offers remarkable potential due to its exceptional speed and energy efficiency as an alternative semiconductor material. By harnessing the extraordinary properties of graphene, electronics can become smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient.
Graphene, a single sheet of carbon atoms arranged in a tessellated hexagon pattern, is highly robust, approximately 200 times stronger than steel. Its flexibility makes it an ideal choice for various electrical devices, batteries, and even applications in glass, plastics, and fabrics. However, its ability to function as a high-quality semiconductor has been limited due to the absence of a crucial electronic property known as a band gap.
The band gap allows semiconductors to switch on and off effectively. Until now, graphene lacked this property, hindering its practical use in electronics. However, De Heer’s team successfully grew graphene on specially designed silicon carbide chips over a decade of research. Through continuous modifications to the materials and chemical properties of graphene, they finally achieved the perfect structure, enabling it to function as a high-quality semiconductor comparable to silicon.
The newfound ability to create functional graphene semiconductors holds immense potential for the electronics industry. By combining increased power with reduced energy consumption, these semiconductors can revolutionize various electronic applications. Graphene electronics are more efficient because they can require less energy to switch on and off. They also allow electrons to flow without creating a lot of unwanted heat that has to be cooled with fans [requiring energy], emphasized Sarah Haigh.
Furthermore, this breakthrough could expedite the development of quantum computing technologies. Quantum computers have the ability to solve complex problems in seconds, which would take conventional supercomputers millennia to accomplish. However, the development of quantum computers is still ongoing, with numerous challenges to overcome. Graphene semiconductors have the potential to address these hurdles and accelerate progress in the field.
Ultimately, the creation of functional graphene semiconductors represents a significant milestone in the world of electronics. Not only are they faster and more energy-efficient, but they also have the potential to revolutionize various sectors, including telecommunications, computing, and beyond. This breakthrough could lead to longer-lasting smartphone batteries, reduced energy consumption, and environmental benefits through decreased reliance on fossil fuels. As researchers continue to push the boundaries of innovation, the future of electronics looks promising with graphene at the forefront.
