To prolong the life of important devices such as computers and smartphones, Chalmers University of Technology researchers developed graphene-based film that efficiently cools electronics.
In reducing heat efficiently, energy usage is also substantially cut from the half total energy used in operating a computer to cool down the device, reports Business Standard. The Sweden-based scientists attached the film, which has four times the thermal productivity capacity than copper, to electronic components that are made of silicon.
But they also had to find a solution to the challenge of how to stick the thick layer of graphene to silicon chips which the team, led by Professor Johan Liu, solved by creating strong covalent bonds between the silicon surface and the graphene film. He adds that using that kind of bonding doubles graphene's thermal conductivity.
"Increased thermal capacity could lead to several new applications for graphene," Liu continues, "One example is the integration of graphene-based film into microelectronic devices and systems, such as highly efficient Light Emitting Diode, lasers and radio frequency components for cooling purposes."
Liu also said that using the film could lead to faster, smaller, more energy-efficient, sustainable high-power electronic gadgets.
Graphene is a material constructed from a single-atom layer of carbon. Because of graphene's relatively wide surface area, thinness and high electrical conductivity, researcher have also initiated studies on its property for bioengineering use such as cholesterol monitoring, checking of hemoglobin and glucose levels and sequencing of DNA, reports Tech Times.