Next generation 2D semiconductor materials and devices beyond silicon
Next generation 2D semiconductor materials and devices beyond silicon
Monday, October 20, 2025: 4:20 PM
331BC (Huntington Place)
Silicon semiconductors have dominated a $4 trillion electronics industry for close to 70 years, brought great benefits to society and constantly improved in performance, as described by Moore’s Law. However, Moore’s law is reaching physical limits. In addition, silicon electronics is energy hungry. The predicted expansion of artificial intelligence, which uses huge databases, suggests that in many developed countries data centres will consume 30% of all electricity consumption by 2030.
To address this daunting problem, a revolutionary approach using new materials is required. The leading contender is a new class of materials called 2D materials. The first 2D material was graphene, the best electrical conductor in the world. Electronic sensors made from graphene consume up to 1000 times less power than silicon sensors. However, graphene cannot be used to make the logic transistors used in data centres because it has no bandgap, so other 2D semiconductors with a bandgap must be used. These have ultra-low energy consumption. This talk will discuss recent results using 2D manufacturable electronic devices.
To address this daunting problem, a revolutionary approach using new materials is required. The leading contender is a new class of materials called 2D materials. The first 2D material was graphene, the best electrical conductor in the world. Electronic sensors made from graphene consume up to 1000 times less power than silicon sensors. However, graphene cannot be used to make the logic transistors used in data centres because it has no bandgap, so other 2D semiconductors with a bandgap must be used. These have ultra-low energy consumption. This talk will discuss recent results using 2D manufacturable electronic devices.