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End of copper? Stanford University finds surprising metal that outperforms copper as an ultrathin wire for next-generation electronics

Published 15/01/2025 às 18:16
Updated 16/01/2025 às 12:53
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Researchers at Stanford University have identified niophosphate as an ultrathin conductor that outperforms copper in efficiency for advanced electronics.

In the race to make technology ever smaller and more efficient, a new candidate has emerged that promises to revolutionize the electronics sector: the niobium phosphide. Scientists from Stanford University discovered that this unconventional material exceeds copper in electrical conductivity when reduced to ultrathin films.

This represents a major advance in the manufacture of increasingly compact devices.

A material beyond the conventional

Copper, widely used in electronics, faces limitations at nanometer scales. When reduced below 50 nanometers, its conductivity decreases dramatically, compromising its efficiency in modern devices.

But niobium phosphide, classified as a topological semimetal, turns this logic on its head. According to Dr. Asir Intisar Khan, lead author of the study, the material demonstrates a unique behavior: its resistivity decreases as its thickness is reduced, allowing superior conductivity even at dimensions smaller than 5 nanometers.

The unique property of niobium phosphide lies in its electronic structure. Its outer surfaces are intrinsically more conductive than the interior, a rare characteristic that makes it highly efficient for carrying electrical signals in thin films.”This discovery redefines the limits of metallic conductors in nanoelectronics“, says Khan.

Practical impact

The applicability of this material goes beyond theory. Professor Yuri Suzuki, co-author of the study, explained that the fabrication of ultrathin niobium phosphide films is possible at temperatures as low as 400 °C, much lower than those required for traditional crystalline materials.

This makes it easier to integrate into existing silicon-based chip manufacturing processes.

The ability to produce conductors at lower temperatures not only reduces costs, but also paves the way for more efficient devices.

This innovation could directly impact sectors such as data centers, where chip density demands energy-efficient solutions.”On a large scale, even small efficiency gains can generate substantial energy savings.”, emphasizes Khan.

Technical challenges and advances

Although niobium phosphide has been studied previously, adapting it for use in ultrathin electronics has presented significant challenges.

The team needed to develop specific techniques to create non-crystalline films with superior electrical properties. This approach challenged the traditional paradigm that crystalline materials are indispensable for high conductivity.

By optimizing substrates and deposition conditions, scientists were able to produce wires compatible with the demands of nanoelectronics.

This innovation is a milestone in the search for materials that combine electrical efficiency with manufacturing viability.

Next steps and new frontiers

The Stanford study marks just the beginning of exploring the potential of niobium phosphide. The researchers are currently spinning the films into wires and testing their durability under real-world conditions.

Furthermore, similar materials are being investigated to identify even better properties.

Xiangjin Wu, a PhD student involved in the research, highlights that the focus is on achieving even higher conductivity. “We want to push this class of materials to the limit. Niobium phosphide is just the beginning of what could be a revolution in the design of ultrathin conductors."

This discovery could usher in a new era in electronics, where energy efficiency and miniaturization go hand in hand. With future advances, niobium phosphide and its “primos” can shape the next generation of devices, offering superior performance without the bottlenecks of traditional materials.

The full results were published in the journal Science.

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Marcos Seixas Santana
Marcos Seixas Santana
15/01/2025 21:53

Look at niobium there! Niobium phosphide could be the key material in the manufacture of semiconductors.
Brazil has the largest niobium reserves in the world, located in Araxá-MG.

Cesar Rosa of Assisi
Cesar Rosa of Assisi
In reply to  Marcos Seixas Santana
16/01/2025 00:52

CBM's niobium mine in Araxa was sold to an international company.

Adolfo
Adolfo
16/01/2025 08:07

Shouldn't the chart do this? Now it's niobium? LOL

Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide range of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, shipbuilding, geopolitics, renewable energy and economics. I have been working since 2015 with prominent publications in major news portals. My degree in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10 thousand articles published in renowned media outlets, I always seek to bring detailed information and relevant insights to the reader. For story suggestions or any questions, please contact me by email at flclucas@hotmail.com.

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