Summary: Researchers have successfully converted coal into high-purity materials that can be used in cutting-edge electronic devices. This breakthrough not only marks a significant shift in the economic and technological applications of coal but also presents a potential solution to its negative environmental impact.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, in collaboration with the National Energy Technology Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), has discovered that coal can play a vital role in the development of next-generation electronic devices. By processing coal into high-purity materials just a few atoms thick, it is possible to create some of the smallest and most efficient electronics with superior performance.
The process involves converting coal char into nanoscale carbon disks known as “carbon dots.” These carbon dots can then be connected to form atomically thin membranes used in two-dimensional transistors and memristors, both crucial components of advanced electronics. The findings from this research were published in the journal Communications Engineering.
While the pursuit of smaller, faster, and more efficient electronics continues, the development of devices using materials only one or two atoms thick represents the ultimate goal. By utilizing atomically thin layers of carbon derived from coal, researchers have identified a promising solution. These carbon layers act as effective insulators and can be combined with semimetals like graphene or semiconductors like molybdenum disulfide to achieve faster operating speeds and lower energy consumption.
The coal-derived carbon layers have distinct advantages over other atomically thin materials as they lack the boundaries between different crystalline regions that cause energy leakage. Additionally, they possess atomic-size rings that confine conductive filaments in memristors, leading to enhanced data storage fidelity and reliability.
While proof-of-concept devices have been developed, the next step is to demonstrate the scalability of manufacturing these two-dimensional devices on a larger scale. The semiconductor industry, epitomized by the interest of collaborators such as TSMC, recognizes the potential of these devices and awaits further advancements.
In conclusion, the use of coal in the production of high-tech materials for next-generation electronics offers a promising avenue for coal’s economic reinvention while addressing environmental concerns. By repurposing this abundant resource, coal can play a significant role in advancing the electronics industry toward smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient devices.
The source of the article is from the blog oinegro.com.br