Using graphene and other 2D materials to create the smallest microchips in the world, in a method called “nano-origami”, can speed up computers.
Physicists at the University of Sussex in the UK have made the first discovery.
“Nano-origami” is a shape that is made by wrinkling or creaking in nanomaterials such as graphene, and researchers have found that when placed in such a format, graphene acts as a small microchip. By wrinkling the material, the researchers found a way to make a microchip that is 100 times smaller than the current conventional ones.
Uses in calculation
The discovery could prove huge for the future of the computer.
As Professor Alan Dalton of the University of Sussex, who worked on the study, said, “The use of these nanomaterials will make our computer chips smaller and faster. It is absolutely essential that this happens, because 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, allows more space inside the devices so that more chips can be used.
“Everything we want to do with computers – to speed them up – can be done by wrinkling graphene like this,” continued Prof. Dalton.
What’s great about discovering the team is that you no longer need to add more and more foreign material to a device to make it work faster. Instead, all they have to do is use this nano-origami method with materials like graphene and they have a greener and more sustainable technology, which is even faster.
The team pointed out that the technology is more environmentally friendly because it does not require more materials, and its process uses less energy because it can be done at room temperature, rather than using high temperatures.
The study is published in the journal ACS Nano.