IEEE Spectrum reports that a team of researchers is looking into coal as a potential replacement for metal oxide film used to insulate next-generation 2D transistors. If coal can be successfully used to replace modern-day metal oxide transistors, it could have huge implications for the semiconductor industry.
Semiconductors rely on multiple materials to function properly. While semiconductors are mainly made from silicon, additional materials are required to insulate the silicon transistors and prevent electrical current from leaving the transistor when it shouldn't. Another term for this is leakage. In today's semiconductors, metal oxide insulates silicon transistors to keep leakage at bay.
