Crafting the Silicon-Free Future: Pioneering the First Atom-Thin Computer
In the realm of cutting-edge research, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are making a significant impact, with their distinctive properties positioning them as leading candidates for a wide array of advanced technologies. From electronics and optoelectronics to energy and sensor applications, TMDs are set to revolutionise the way we interact with technology.
In the field of electronics, TMDs' semiconducting nature allows for controlled current flow, making them ideal for the fabrication of ultrathin transistors. The tunable bandgap of TMDs is particularly valuable for creating field-effect transistors (FETs) that can operate at the atomic scale, offering the potential for ultra-miniaturised, low-power circuits. Despite a current limitation in carrier mobility, which is generally lower than graphene, TMDs still hold promise for a variety of electronic devices [2][3][5].
The strong light absorption and photoluminescence properties exhibited by TMDs make them ideal for optoelectronic devices, such as photodetectors and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Recent work has demonstrated the fabrication of MoSe₂-based photodetectors with responsivity values comparable to exfoliated samples, enabling efficient detection in the near-infrared range [1]. The ability to engineer heterostructures (combinations of different TMDs or with other 2D materials) further enhances performance and enables multifunctional optoelectronic components [1][3].
In the realm of energy applications, TMDs are emerging as promising materials for energy conversion and storage. Their tunable electronic structure can be exploited in devices like solar cells, where efficient light absorption and charge separation are critical. Additionally, TMDs are being explored for use in batteries and supercapacitors, where their large surface area and electrochemical activity are beneficial for high-capacity electrodes [3][4].
The unique electronic and mechanical properties of TMDs make them ideal for various sensor applications. They can be used in pressure, strain, and biosensors due to their sensitivity to external stimuli and the ability to detect minute changes in their environment. Multifunctional sensors incorporating TMDs are being developed for advanced healthcare solutions and smart textiles, leveraging their flexibility, strength, and tunable electrical response [3].
A summary table outlines the key advantages of TMDs in each application area, along with example uses. As research continues, efforts are focused on improving synthesis scalability, heterostructure integration, and device performance [1][3][5].
The development of TMD-based technologies extends beyond traditional electronics. The 2D computer, part of an ecosystem of flexible, thin, and intelligent devices, represents a significant leap forward in design. This electronic stability allows for the creation of more compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient chips. WSe2 shows potential as an active layer in next-generation solar cells, while molybdenum disulfide responds rapidly to changes in chemical conditions, enabling highly sensitive and integrated sensors [3].
Tungsten diselenide has photovoltaic advantages, suitable for light-powered devices, and functionalized versions of MoS2 and graphene can serve as sensors for industrial or healthcare environments. In a groundbreaking achievement, scientists from Pennsylvania State University have created the world's first functional computer built entirely with single-atom-thick, two-dimensional materials [6]. The computer, capable of performing basic logical operations, runs at a frequency of up to 25 kHz and serves as a proof of concept for a new computational paradigm [7].
The direct bandgap properties of TMDs make them ideal for high-speed computing, and the design replaces silicon with molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and tungsten diselenide (WSe2), marking a milestone in computing history [8]. The Penn State 2D Crystal Consortium Materials Innovation Platform provided the necessary infrastructure for the synthesis and assembly of these ultra-thin materials [9]. The computer was published in June 2025 in the journal Nature and promises to revolutionise electronics by offering thinner, faster, and more efficient devices [10].
The computational paradigm of 2D chips transcends silicon, focusing on flexibility, minimum thickness, and environmental sensitivity. Unlike silicon, whose performance degrades with miniaturisation, materials like MoS2 and WSe2 retain and even improve their functionality [11]. As research continues, the potential applications of TMDs in various fields are vast, promising a future where technology is more efficient, flexible, and responsive to our needs.
In the domain of optoelectronics, the strong light absorption and photoluminescence properties of TMDs make them suitable for devices such as photodetectors and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). For instance, MoSe₂-based photodetectors have shown responsivity values comparable to exfoliated samples, enabling efficient near-infrared detection.
Furthermore, the advancements in science and technology could lead to the development of computers that go beyond traditional silicon-based electronics. The Penn State University scientists' creation of the world's first functional computer built with single-atom-thick, two-dimensional materials, such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and tungsten diselenide (WSe2), represents a significant leap towards high-speed, efficient, and environmentally responsive computing.
