Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign collaborated with the National Energy Technology Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Together, they made a groundbreaking discovery by transforming coal into high-purity materials. This breakthrough could revolutionize the development of next-generation electronic devices. Additionally, this advancement creates new economic opportunities for coal and indicates a shift toward more sustainable technologies. By joining forces, the research team has paved the way for eco-friendly solutions in the tech industry.
Redefining Coal: From Fossil Fuel Transforming Coal for Nanoelectronics
Coal, traditionally seen as a bulky and polluting energy source, is now being reimagined for nanoelectronics. Led by Professor Qing Cao at the University of Illinois, the research team developed innovative processing techniques. These methods transform coal into high-purity materials only a few atoms thick. As a result, these ultra-thin materials have unique atomic structures, making them ideal for crafting small yet high-performing electronic devices. This breakthrough redefines coal’s role, shifting it from a climate concern to a key player in advanced technology.
Transforming Coal for Nanoelectronics: From Coal Char to Carbon Dots – The Innovative Conversion Process
The National Energy Technology Laboratory’s process starts by converting coal char into nanoscale carbon disks, known as “carbon dots.” Next, the University of Illinois research team showed how these carbon dots can link together to form atomically thin membranes. These membranes are ideal for use in two-dimensional transistors and memristors. According to a recent publication in Communications Engineering, these technologies are expected to play a key role in advancing efficient electronics. This innovative approach represents a major leap in electronic device development.
Pioneering Two-Dimensional Electronics
Coal-Derived Carbon Layers: A Game-Changer in Transistors
Led by Professor Cao, the University of Illinois team showcased a groundbreaking use of coal-derived carbon layers as gate dielectrics in two-dimensional transistors. These transistors, built on semimetal graphene or semiconductor molybdenum disulfide, achieved more than double the operating speed. They also consumed less energy compared to traditional materials. The amorphous nature of coal-derived carbon layers, which lack crystalline structures, plays a crucial role in reducing power consumption during device operation. This innovation paves the way for faster and more efficient electronics, marking a significant advancement in the field.
Fueling the AI Revolution: Memristors with Coal-Derived Carbon Layers
The researchers extended their work beyond transistors by exploring coal-derived carbon layers in memristors. These components can store and process data simultaneously, which is crucial for advancing AI technology. By using ultrathin coal-derived carbon layers as insulators, the team enabled the rapid formation of conductive filaments with minimal energy use. As a result, these memristors achieved high operating speeds while maintaining low power consumption. This makes them ideal for creating efficient and fast electronic devices.
Challenges and Collaborations: Scaling Up for Industrial Production
While these developments show the promise of coal-derived carbon layers in two-dimensional devices, the next challenge is proving their scalability for industrial production. To address this, the team is working with industry partners like Taiwan Semiconductor. Together, they aim to create a fabrication process that can be scaled up for large-scale application, bringing this innovative technology closer to widespread adoption.
Conclusion: A Quantum Leap – Transforming Coal for Nanoelectronics
reference: DOI: 10.1038/s44172-023-00141-9