Coal is synonymous with fossil fuel consumption and environmental impact. It emerges as an unlikely hero in the realm of advanced microelectronics.
Collaborative research efforts led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, in conjunction with the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, have unlocked the transformative potential of coal.
That is, they have demonstrated coal's ability to yield high-purity materials mere atoms thick, offering superior performance for cutting-edge electronic devices.
Professor Qing Cao, a prominent figure in this pioneering initiative, underscores the revolutionary aspect: "Our novel processing techniques have transformed coal—traditionally viewed as bulky and environmentally harmful—into high-purity materials that are incredibly thin.
These materials have unlocked possibilities for creating ultra-small electronics with exceptional performance characteristics."
The NETL's groundbreaking process converts coal char into minuscule nanoscale carbon disks termed "carbon dots." These atomically thin carbon dots form the foundation for creating membranes essential in advanced electronic technologies, notably two-dimensional transistors and memristors, crucial components for the next generation of microelectronics.
In the relentless pursuit of smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient electronics, the ultimate goal is to fashion devices that are only one or two atoms thick.
While significant strides have been made in studying ultrathin semiconductors, the necessity for atomically thin insulators—a fundamental requirement in constructing transistors and memristors—has become increasingly apparent.
Enter the coal-derived carbon layers, exhibiting promising traits as efficient insulators. Professor Cao's research group demonstrated their application in two-dimensional transistors, achieving operating speeds that are over two times faster while reducing energy consumption.
These amorphous coal-derived carbon layers prevent leakage currents, ensuring enhanced device performance and operational efficiency.
Unleashing AI potential: memristors at the forefront
Delving further into memristors—an essential technology for advancing Artificial Intelligence—researchers observed that coal-derived carbon layers facilitated faster filament formation with significantly lower energy consumption.
This development accelerates operations while ensuring improved data storage reliability. It, therefore, enhances AI technology's capabilities and implementation.
While proof-of-concept devices using coal-derived carbon layers showcase immense promise, the real challenge lies in scaling up production for practical application.
Professor Cao emphasizes the collaborative nature of their work with industry leaders like Taiwan Semiconductor, recognizing the growing interest in two-dimensional devices. The primary objective remains the development of industrial-scale processes for coal-based carbon insulators, bridging the gap between groundbreaking research and large-scale industrial implementation.
This collaborative effort represents a paradigm shift in perceiving coal—transforming it from a traditional energy resource to a cutting-edge material driving innovation in microelectronics.
As coal's unexpected role unfolds in shaping the future of electronics, this groundbreaking research paves the way for a sustainable, efficient, and remarkably innovative electronic landscape.
The study's results were published in Nature (Communications Engineering) and can be found here.
Originally published on Interesting Engineering : Original article