The development of graphene as a vital component in electronics has resulted in technological advancements such as ultrafiltration, energy storage, optical electronics and even biological engineering.
A new study, conducted by scientists from Chalmers University of Technology, suggests that this multi-faceted material can also be utilized for the efficient cooling of electronic devices.
While earlier research has shown that graphene—a material constructed from a single-atom layer of carbon—has the ability to cool down electronic systems based on silicon, its effect was only observed at a limited extent.
Researchers tried to resolve this problem by stacking additional layers of graphene to augment its effect, but it ended up revealing another issue. As extra layers are added, it significantly lessens the ability of graphene to remain adhered to the electronic device.
Johan Liu, a researcher from Chalmers and co-author of the study, explained that they were able to solve the issue on adhesive by creating strong covalent bonds between the film of graphene and its surface.
The researchers discovered the new technology by exposing graphene to molecules of a substance known as (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES). They then subjected the resulting material to hydrolysis and heating to produce highly adhesive silane bonds between the electronic device and the graphene film.
Liu pointed out that the increase in heating capacity could potentially lead to the development of other uses for graphene.
He said that an example of this would be in the integration of graphene films into microelectronic systems and devices, including Light Emitting Diodes (LED), lasers and even with components used for radio frequency for cooling purposes.
Liu added that films based on graphene could also be used to create high power electronic devices that are sustainable, smaller, faster and more efficient in their energy use.
Other studies have also explored several other uses for graphene such as the development of optical electronics, ultrafiltration and bioengineered technologies.
Graphene-based components are being used in the production of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), touchscreens and liquid crystal displays (LCD). Graphene's transparent features as well as its ability to optically transmit up to 98 percent of light make it an ideal material for optoelectronic applications.
Graphene is also used as an effective ultrafiltration medium in separating two substances because of its imperviousness to liquids and gases, such as minute molecules of helium.
Scientists have begun studying properties of graphene for bioengineering purposes. Its relatively wide surface area, strength, thinness and high electrical conductivity make it an ideal component for fast and efficient bioelectric sensory devices. These technologies can be used to monitor cholesterol, hemoglobin levels, glucose levels and DNA sequencing.
The Chalmers University of Technology study is published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials.
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