Using graphene and other 2D materials to make the world’s smallest microchips, in a method called “nano-origami”, makes computers faster.
Physicists from the University of Sussex in the UK made the first discovery.
“Nano-origami” is a shape created by creaking or creaking kinks in nanomaterials such as graphene, and the researchers found that when placed in such a format, the graphene acts like a tiny microchip. By creasing the material, the researchers found a way to make a microchip that is 100 times smaller than the current conventional one.
Used in computers
The discovery could prove huge for the future of computers.
As Prof. Alan Dalton of the University of Sussex, who worked on the study, said: “Using these nanomaterials makes our computer chips smaller and faster. It is absolutely critical for this to happen, as computer manufacturers are now at the limit of what they can do with traditional semiconductor technology. “
“Ultimately, this will make our computers and phones thousands of times faster in the future.”
This type of technology, called “straintronics”, uses nanomaterials such as graphene instead of electronics, and in this particular case there is more space in devices so that more chips can be used.
“Everything we want to do with computers – to speed them up – can be done by rippling graphene in this way,” continued Prof. Dalton.
The great thing about the team’s discovery is that it is no longer necessary to keep adding more and more foreign materials to a device to make it run faster. Instead, they just have to use this nano origami method with materials like graphene, and they have a greener and more durable technology that is also faster.
The team pointed out that the technology is greener because it does not require more materials, and the process uses less energy because it can be done at room temperature rather than high temperatures.
The study is published in the journal ACS Nano