Norwegian Researchers Pioneer Development of Graphene Semiconductors

Norwegian researchers have developed a method by which graphene can be used to produce semiconductors. Graphene is a single-layered sheet of carbon atoms, which has the distinction of being the thinnest material in existence.

The production of graphene is economical. The material possesses remarkable properties such as transparency, pliability and most importantly, demonstrates superior conductance of heat and electricity.

Silicon-based semiconductors measure several hundred micrometers in thickness. The semiconductor made from graphene is only one micrometer thick. The researchers produced the semiconductor by making semiconductor nanowires to grow on graphene. The nanowire network of semiconductors was grown by bombarding the surface of graphene with atoms of gallium and molecules of arsenic. According to Dr. Helge Weman from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) who worked in conjunction with Professor Bjørn-Ove Fimland on the path breaking study, it is now possible to make semiconductor components that are superior and cheaper than existing ones. Dr. Weman expects the discovery to revolutionize the production of LEDs and solar cells and facilitate numerous innovative applications. The researchers will focus on developing prototypes with applications in specific fields. Leading electronics industry players like IBM and Samsung have been collaborating with the researchers. The initial impetus for the research was provided by a study funded by the Clean Energy for the Future Programme (RENERGI) of the Research Council and the Nanotechnology and New Materials (NANOMAT) Programme that has now ended. Subsequent funding assistance for securing patents was provided by the Research Council of Norway.