New ‘Intercrystals’ Discovery Paves Way for Sustainable Electronics and Quantum Computing
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📰 The quick summary: Scientists at Rutgers University discovered a new class of materials called ‘intercrystals’ with unique electronic properties that can enable more efficient and environmentally friendly electronics and quantum technologies.
📈 One key stat: Intercrystals can be made from abundant, non-toxic elements like carbon, boron, and nitrogen instead of rare earth elements, offering a more sustainable pathway for future technologies.
💬 One key quote: “Our discovery opens a new path for material design,” said Eva Andrei, Board of Governors Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences and lead author of the study.
1️⃣ The big picture: Rutgers University researchers have discovered a revolutionary new class of materials called intercrystals with unique electronic properties. These materials are created by stacking and twisting ultrathin layers of graphene atop hexagonal boron nitride, creating moiré patterns that significantly alter electron behavior. Intercrystals can exhibit unusual behaviors like superconductivity and magnetism based on their geometric structure rather than chemical composition. This breakthrough builds on the field of twistronics, pioneered by the same team in 2009, and offers new possibilities for designing advanced electronic components with geometry-controlled functions.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: The discovery of intercrystals opens entirely new pathways for developing next-generation technologies. These materials allow engineers to control electronic behavior through geometry alone, without changing chemical composition, potentially leading to more efficient transistors and sensors. Made from abundant, non-toxic elements like carbon and boron, they offer a sustainable alternative to rare earth minerals currently used in electronics. The potential applications span from low-energy consumption electronics to quantum computing components. This breakthrough could transform how we design and manufacture electronic circuits, making them both more capable and environmentally friendly.
3️⃣ What’s next: Researchers will continue exploring the various electronic properties of intercrystals by adjusting their geometric configurations. The next phase likely involves developing prototype electronic components that leverage these unique properties. Scientists will also investigate how intercrystals can be integrated into practical quantum computing applications and sustainable electronic technologies.
Read the full story here: ScienceDaily – Scientists discover class of crystals with properties that may prove revolutionary
