Breakthrough silicene material could rival graphene
A new material that could rival graphene has been touted by researchers at Technische Universität Berlin and Aix-Marseille University.
According to New Scientist, the one atom thick sheet of silicon, known as silicene, could prove to be superior to graphene for smaller and cheaper electronic devices because it can be integrated more easily into silicon chip production lines.
The research scientists created the material by condensing silicon vapour onto a silver substrate. They then measured the optical, chemical and electronic properties of the layer.
An important challenge for the team now will be to grow silicene insulating substrates to learn more about its electrical properties and understand how these can be exploited to build future electronic devices.
