The image shows the 2D-material's base. White lines represent the structural kinks that alter the electrical properties mechanically. (Image Credit: University of Sussex)
For the first time, physicists at the University of Sussex have produced the world's tiniest microchips can be created from graphene and 2D materials. This is achieved by using a type of nano-origami, which the researchers presented in a paper published in the ACS Nano journal.
By producing kinks in the graphene's structure, researchers have managed to make the material act like a transistor. They also demonstrated that it behaves like a microchip when a strip of graphene becomes scrunched. The microchip is approximately 100 times smaller than the traditional ones.
"We're mechanically creating kinks in a layer of graphene. It's a bit like nano-origami. Using these nanomaterials will make our computer chips smaller and faster. It is absolutely critical that this happens as computer manufacturers are now at the limit of what they can do with traditional semiconducting technology. Ultimately, this will make our computers and phones thousands of times faster in the future. This kind of technology—'straintronics' using nanomaterials as opposed to electronics—allows space for more chips inside any device. Everything we want to do with computers—to speed them up—can be done by crinkling graphene-like this." Professor Alan Dalton in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University of Sussex said,
"Instead of having to add foreign materials into a device, we've shown we can create structures from graphene and other 2-D materials simply by adding deliberate kinks into the structure. By making this sort of corrugation, we can create a smart electronic component, like a transistor, or a logic gate." Dr. Manoj Tripathi, lead author on the paper, said.
This new development is environmentally-friendly and sustainable since more materials don't need to be added. It also consumes less energy to create this technology because it doesn't need a high temperature to work. Instead, it operates at room temperature.
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