Will Graphene Replace Silicon? - Computerphile

TL;DR

Graphene, a single layer of graphite, has unique electrical properties and can be used in transparent conductors and transistors.

Transcript

So graphene is a kind of graphite? How, what's the... graphite, graphite looks like that That's a big slab of graphite. I can by using the scotch tape method peel pieces off The way I think of it Is that a single atomic layer of graphite is graphene. I knocked it around a bit this be? Single molar mono layer by layer graphene where you've got two l... Read More

Key Insights

• 🫀 Graphene is a single atomic layer of graphite and has unique electrical properties.
• 🔂 Single-layer graphene is transparent and can be used in transparent conductors.
• 📣 Graphene transistors are challenging to switch off due to the absence of an energy gap.
• 🚦 Vertical tunnel transistors using boron nitride can address the challenge of switching off graphene transistors.
• 👪 Graphene is part of a larger family of two-dimensional materials with unique properties.
• 🈸 Indium selenide and molybdenum disulphide are other two-dimensional materials with potential applications.
• 🔬 Understanding the physics and material science of graphene and other two-dimensional materials is crucial for their practical integration.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is graphene and how is it obtained?

Graphene is a single atomic layer of graphite and can be exfoliated from bulk graphite using the scotch tape method.

Q: What are the electrical properties of graphene?

Graphene is transparent and absorbs around 2% of incident light. It also has high electron mobility, about five times faster than gallium arsenide or indium phosphide.

Q: Why are graphene transistors challenging to switch off?

Graphene does not have an energy gap like silicon or other semiconductors, making it difficult to turn off the transistor. The absence of an energy gap prevents efficient control of the current flow.

Q: How can graphene transistors be switched off?

Vertical tunnel transistors combine graphene with boron nitride as a barrier to create a strong energy gap. This allows for effective control of the current flow and the ability to switch off the transistor.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Graphene is a single atomic layer of graphite and can be obtained through the scotch tape method.

• Single-layer graphene is transparent and absorbs about 2% of incident light, making it suitable for transparent conductors.

• Graphene transistors are challenging to switch off due to the absence of an energy gap, but vertical tunnel transistors using boron nitride as a barrier have shown promise.