Why in news?
Researchers from Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali have made computer based designs of nano-materials with superhigh piezoelectricity which can be the building blocks of futuristic nano-electronics for applications like ultrathin, next-generation nano-transistors.
Piezoelectricity
- Piezoelectricity is the generation of electricity in certain materials upon application of pressure.
- Its applications have eased our daily lives through the use of lighters, pressure gauge, sensors and so on.
- Piezoelectricity in 2D materials was first predicted theoretically in 2012 and later observed and confirmed experimentally in monolayer in 2014.
- Since then, there has been a surge in research interests in piezoelectricity in graphene-like two-dimensional (2D) materials, thereby leading to the exploration of piezoelectricity in 2D materials or avenues to induce or enhance piezoelectricity in 2D materials.
- However, most of the 2D materials reported till date mainly show in-plane piezoelectricity; however, for device-based applications, out-of-plane piezoelectricity is very much desired and sought after.
Importance of Innovation in this field
- With the continued trend in the miniaturization of electronic devices, there is a growing demand for superfast ultrathin nanodevices and nanotransistors.
- The nanostructures could be an essential ingredient or building block in constructing these kinds of nanodevices.
- The superfast nanoelectronics can be realized from the ultrahigh charge carrier mobility in ultrathin nanostructures.
- The carrier mobility of the designed nano-materials have been found to exceed that for silicon and therefore, the ultrathin nanostructures thereby providing an insight into the building blocks in futuristic nano-electronics.
- The computational materials can motivate experimentalists to fabricate nano devices with the desired functionality.
- Transistors used in the mother board of Computers and Laptops are getting tinier and thinner with the passage of time.
- So, piezoelectric nanomaterials may be utilized in these ultrathin, next-generation nano-transistors through a synergistic coupling between piezoelectricity and electronics.
