Home > Press > Research shows benefits of silicon carbide for sensors in harsh environments: Advantages identified across industries
![]() |
This is Dr. Dzung Dao, from Griffith University's School of Engineering. CREDIT: Michael Jacobson |
Abstract:
The use of silicon carbide as a semiconductor for mechanical and electrical sensor devices is showing promise for improved operations and safety in harsh working environments, according to new research from Griffith University.
Experiments with silicon carbide grown at the Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC) at Griffith University have demonstrated the compound's superiority as a semiconductor for high performance sensors.
The research has identified advantages for fields including mining, aerospace, aviation and the automotive, electrochemical and biomedical industries.
The findings appear in the specialist publication Journal of Materials Chemistry C and for the first time present the effect of mechanical strain on the electrical conductivity of silicon carbide deposited on silicon wafer.
"Over the past 50 years, silicon has been the dominant material used as a semiconductor for sensing devices and that continues today in computers, mobile phones, automobiles and more," says Dr Dzung Dao, from Griffith's School of Engineering and one of the lead researchers.
"However, silicon is not suitable for electronic devices at high temperatures above 200°C due to the generation of thermal carriers and junction leakage.
"Silicon carbide, on the other hand, possesses excellent mechanical strength, chemical inertness, thermal durability and electrical stability due to its unique electronic structure.
"Thus it holds promise as the material for high performance sensors in, for example, deep-oil and coal mining, combustion engines, energy conversion devices and so on.
"In areas where the temperature can reach well above 200°C, chemical corrosion and mechanical shock are extreme. That's where silicon carbide comes in.
"Silicon carbide is already used in power electronics and these results are very encouraging for sensor technology, particularly in harsh working environments."
The device-grade silicon carbide for this research was grown on six inches of silicon wafer at low temperature by Professor Sima Dimitrijev's team at QMNC.
####
For more information, please click here
Contacts:
Michael Jacobson
61-075-552-9250
Copyright © Griffith University
If you have a comment, please Contact us.Issuers of news releases, not 7th Wave, Inc. or Nanotechnology Now, are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Related Links |
Related News Press |
Chemistry
Quantum interference in molecule-surface collisions February 28th, 2025
News and information
Closing the gaps — MXene-coating filters can enhance performance and reusability February 28th, 2025
Rice researchers harness gravity to create low-cost device for rapid cell analysis February 28th, 2025
Mining/Extraction/Drilling
Chile coating and composite industry makes leap forward leveraging graphene nanotube solutions April 9th, 2021
Membrane technology could cut emissions and energy use in oil refining July 17th, 2020
Extraction of lithium from its largest source, i.e. seawater, by nanostructured membranes January 27th, 2020
Chip Technology
New ocelot chip makes strides in quantum computing: Based on "cat qubits," the technology provides a new way to reduce quantum errors February 28th, 2025
Enhancing transverse thermoelectric conversion performance in magnetic materials with tilted structural design: A new approach to developing practical thermoelectric technologies December 13th, 2024
Bringing the power of tabletop precision lasers for quantum science to the chip scale December 13th, 2024
Sensors
Quantum engineers ‘squeeze’ laser frequency combs to make more sensitive gas sensors January 17th, 2025
Beyond wires: Bubble technology powers next-generation electronics:New laser-based bubble printing technique creates ultra-flexible liquid metal circuits November 8th, 2024
Nanotechnology: Flexible biosensors with modular design November 8th, 2024
Discoveries
Closing the gaps — MXene-coating filters can enhance performance and reusability February 28th, 2025
Rice researchers harness gravity to create low-cost device for rapid cell analysis February 28th, 2025
Announcements
Closing the gaps — MXene-coating filters can enhance performance and reusability February 28th, 2025
Rice researchers harness gravity to create low-cost device for rapid cell analysis February 28th, 2025
Interviews/Book Reviews/Essays/Reports/Podcasts/Journals/White papers/Posters
Leading the charge to better batteries February 28th, 2025
Quantum interference in molecule-surface collisions February 28th, 2025
New ocelot chip makes strides in quantum computing: Based on "cat qubits," the technology provides a new way to reduce quantum errors February 28th, 2025
Automotive/Transportation
Leading the charge to better batteries February 28th, 2025
Researchers’ approach may protect quantum computers from attacks March 8th, 2024
Aerospace/Space
Flexible electronics integrated with paper-thin structure for use in space January 17th, 2025
The National Space Society Congratulates SpaceX on Starship’s 7th Test Flight: Latest Test of the Megarocket Hoped to Demonstrate a Number of New Technologies and Systems January 17th, 2025
Bringing the power of tabletop precision lasers for quantum science to the chip scale December 13th, 2024
Industrial
Quantum interference in molecule-surface collisions February 28th, 2025
Boron nitride nanotube fibers get real: Rice lab creates first heat-tolerant, stable fibers from wet-spinning process June 24th, 2022
Nanotubes: a promising solution for advanced rubber cables with 60% less conductive filler June 1st, 2022
Protective equipment with graphene nanotubes meets the strictest ESD safety standards March 25th, 2022
![]() |
||
![]() |
||
The latest news from around the world, FREE | ||
![]() |
![]() |
||
Premium Products | ||
![]() |
||
Only the news you want to read!
Learn More |
||
![]() |
||
Full-service, expert consulting
Learn More |
||
![]() |