The University of Florida is seeking companies interested in commercializing a device for easily and inexpensively fabricating better-performing graphene-based metal diffusion barriers commonly used in electronics including light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The new technology could overcome reliability issues that affect the market for LEDs expected to reach $18 billion by 2015. A diffusion barrier is a thin layer of material usually micrometers thick placed between two metals to protect them from contaminations or reactions. Platinum aluminum and other metals commonly used in diffusion barriers resist heat and wear. However installing these metals in electronic devices requires complex costly equipment and the metals do not fully protect the functionality of these devices. Graphene a dense abundant highly conductive compound made from carbon atoms linked in a repeating hexagonal pattern provides a promising alternative to the metals now used in diffusion barriers. Graphene has exceptional thermal and chemical stability does not oxidize at high temperatures and is one of the strongest substances ever measured with a breaking strength 200 times greater than steel. Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a device that inexpensively manufactures graphene for protective barriers that can be used between metals and between semiconductors and metals for better-performing LEDs. Technology: The intermixing of metals that are in close proximity is a serious problem that threatens electronic-device reliability. This common problem in the manufacturing of electronic and optoelectronic devices usually results material defects that affect performance. Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a device to combat this issue. The technology manufactures graphene that can function as a diffusion barrier between two metals or between metals and semiconductors. A graphene layer of varying width is applied between two metal layers. Graphene may also be applied to a template and later removed allowing it to bond to the metal surfaces. Researchers have also developed a way to deposit graphene through a chemical vapor process. Application: Manufacturing device that easily and inexpensively fabricates graphene diffusion barriers for longer-lasting electronics
1) Lowers production costs improving profit margins 2) Improves performance of electronic devices providing a competitive edge 3) Composed of a more durable material resulting in better-quality products