Graphene: A Super-Speed Semiconductor?

About a year ago, we reported on a graphene nano-transistor. A new study from the University of Maryland indicates that electrons in graphene move at a rate over 100 times faster than in silicon, which has strong implications for advanced semiconductors.

This rating is determined by measuring the "mobility" of the electrons, which indicates the speed at which a device, such as a transistor, can turn on and off. The research helps support a growing notion that we may in the future transition from silicon-based electronics and computer technology to a graphene-based technology, at least for sophisticated and delicate technologies such as high frequency receivers.

References:

• University of Maryland - Physicists Show Electrons Can Travel More Than 100 Times Faster in Graphene (press release)
• ScienceDaily.com - Electrons Can Travel Over 100 Times Faster In Graphene Than In Silicon, Physicists Show
• Nano-Transistor - February 2007
• Nanotechnology
• ScienceDaily.com - Could Graphene Replace Silicon in Electronics?