Alternative to carbon nanotubes
Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have found that by combining alumina, silicon, and germanium, a material can be made that makes nanotubes cheaper to manufacture than carbon. In addition, the properties of nanotubes from such materials are easier to control.
The production of semiconductors and carbon nanotubes occurs at high temperatures and pressures, which forces chip manufacturers to experiment with doped organic polymers. But organic polymers in their properties are significantly inferior to inorganic metal oxides. According to researchers, nanotubes made of alumina, silicon and germanium combine both the simplicity of polymer production (the formation of such nanotubes occurs at normal pressure and temperature below 100 ° C), and high rates of inorganic materials.
via Eetimes
The production of semiconductors and carbon nanotubes occurs at high temperatures and pressures, which forces chip manufacturers to experiment with doped organic polymers. But organic polymers in their properties are significantly inferior to inorganic metal oxides. According to researchers, nanotubes made of alumina, silicon and germanium combine both the simplicity of polymer production (the formation of such nanotubes occurs at normal pressure and temperature below 100 ° C), and high rates of inorganic materials.
via Eetimes