Coal, once notorious for its contribution to climate change, is now finding a surprising new role in advanced electronics, thanks to a team of researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the National Energy Technology Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. This innovative use of coal in creating state-of-the-art electronic devices has the potential to revolutionize the industry.
Traditionally, coal has been associated with bulkiness and pollution. However, the researchers have discovered that coal can be processed into extremely thin, high-quality materials. These materials are ideal for manufacturing tiny electronics that outperform existing technologies.
The National Energy Technology Laboratory has developed a groundbreaking process that converts coal into minuscule carbon dots. These dots can be interlinked to form thin membranes, which are crucial for constructing 2D transistors and memristors – key components in the next generation of electronics.
As the pursuit of smaller and faster electronics intensifies, the ultimate goal is to create devices that are only one or two atoms thick. These ultra-thin devices operate rapidly and consume less energy. While thin semiconductors have been extensively studied, the development of thin insulators that block electricity is equally crucial for the success of electronic devices.
The team of researchers has found that atomically thin layers of disordered carbon derived from coal serve as excellent insulators for 2D electronics. To demonstrate the effectiveness of these carbon layers, Professor Qing Cao’s group at the University of Illinois produced two types of 2D devices.
What makes this discovery truly exciting is that coal, typically considered low-tech and environmentally harmful, is now linked to advanced microelectronics. The carbon layers derived from coal were used as a gate dielectric in 2D transistors, built on graphene or molybdenum disulfide. The result was devices that operate more than twice as fast and consume less energy.
Unlike other thin materials, these carbon layers derived from coal do not possess a regular crystalline structure and are free from dangling bonds, which can impede the speed of a transistor. This unique property also eliminates leaky boundaries where unwanted electrical currents could flow, resulting in more efficient devices.
In addition, the researchers explored the application of coal-derived carbon layers in memristors, electronic components that store and process data, thereby enhancing AI technology. The ultra-thin coal-derived carbon layers used as insulators facilitate the rapid formation of conductive filaments with low energy consumption. This significantly improves device speed and power efficiency. Furthermore, the unique structure of the coal carbon confines the filament, leading to enhanced data storage fidelity and reliability.
The next step for the team is to scale up the production of these coal-based carbon insulators for industrial use. The semiconductor industry, including major players like Taiwan Semiconductor, recognizes the immense potential of 2D devices.
In the coming years, the University of Illinois, in collaboration with the National Energy Technology Laboratory, will focus on developing a production process for these coal-derived materials. This promising and environmentally friendly use of coal in advanced technology may pave the way for a greener future in electronics.
Source: [add source]
In summary, coal is making a surprising breakthrough in advanced electronics, thanks to the innovative work of researchers. By transforming coal into thin carbon layers, these scientists have unlocked the potential for manufacturing superior microelectronic devices. This unexpected use of coal showcases its value in the pursuit of smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient electronics. With further development and industrial production, coal could play a vital role in shaping the future of technology.
