An international group of researchers, headed by Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, has shown that a graphene layer can reduce the working temperature in hotspots inside a processor by up to 25 percent — which can significantly extend the working life of computers and other electronics.
“This discovery opens the door to increased functionality and continues to push the boundaries when it comes to miniaturizing electronics,” said Chalmers Professor Johan Liu, who heads the international research project, in partnership with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shanghai University in China and Swedish company SHT Smart High Tech AB.
Modern electronic systems generate a great deal of heat, due to the constantly increasing demand for more and more functionality. One rule of thumb is that a 10-degree Celsius increase in working temperature halves the working life of an electronics system.
The researchers focused on reducing the temperature in the small area where the electronics work most intensively — such as inside a processor.
“The normal working temperature in the hotspots we have cooled with a graphene layer has ranged from 55 to 115 degrees Celsius. We have been able to reduce this by up to 13 degrees, which not only improves energy efficiency, it also extends the working life of the electronics.”