The molecular integrated circuit was developed by an international research group of chemists and physicists from the Center for Nanosciences in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Copenhagen and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The research findings were published in the scientific journal Advanced Materials.
Electronic components composed of single molecules with the help of chemical synthesis can pave the way for the development of tiny, fast and more environmentally friendly electronic devices. Now, researchers have succeeded, for the first time ever, in developing a transistor composed of a molecular monolayer, a transistor that functioned properly in a computer chip.
The molecular integrated circuit was developed by an international research group of chemists and physicists from the Center for Nanosciences in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Copenhagen and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The research findings were published in the scientific journal Advanced Materials. The breakthrough was made possible thanks to the innovative use of the fascinating two-dimensional material graphene.
Professor Kasper Nørgaard of the University of Copenhagen believes that the first advantage of the newly developed graphene chip will be in facilitating the testing of future molecular electronic components. At the same time, he predicts that their findings are the first step to obtaining efficient molecular integrated circuits. "The graphene material has particularly fascinating properties that cannot be found in other materials. Our research proves, for the first time ever, that it is possible to integrate a functional molecular component based on graphene inside a chip. I truly believe that this breakthrough deserves to be on the front page of science news," says the researcher.
The molecular computer chip consists of one layer of gold, one layer of other molecular components, and an ultra-thin layer of graphene-type carbon material, all stacked on top of each other in the shape of a sandwich. The transistor in the "sandwich" is switched (on/off) by means of a signal in the form of light and thereby utilizes the unique electronic properties of the material graphene. Although this material consists of only carbon atoms (which also make up the graphite material) it is almost completely transparent.
The hunt for transistors, wires, connectors and other electronic components composed of single molecules has caused researchers in this field to work day and night. Unlike other electronic components, it is expected that the new components will not contain heavy metals that are toxic to humans and the environment and sometimes even expensive. In light of this, they should be cheaper and safer for the soil, water sources and animals. Unfortunately, testing the nature of the activity of these functional components was particularly difficult. Until now, that is.
In the past, the testing of microscopic components led researchers to use a method best described as a lottery. In order to test whether a new molecule conducts current or is an insulator, the researchers had to place a handful of molecules between two electrically conductive wires, and hope that at least one molecule is close enough to the electrical circuit.
With the help of the innovative graphene chip, researchers will now be able to position their new molecules with greater precision and check whether they actually conduct electricity, or are insulators. With the help of this method, it will be possible to test the functionality of molecular wires, connectors and diodes in a faster and simpler way, and thus the chemists will receive an immediate answer to the question of whether they need to continue developing the tested molecules or whether they are sufficiently active, explains the lead researcher.
"We have developed a design suitable for many types of molecules," the lead researcher continues and explains: "In light of the fact that the shape of graphene is closer to the actual structure of a computer chip, our development makes it possible to examine electronic components in an easier way, and at the same time it is also an important step in the path to making circuits practical combinations based on molecular components.”
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