Graphene allows electronic devices to operate faster, more powerfully, and even be foldable. In addition, its single layer of carbon atoms helps devices run up to 25% cooler, which extends the lifespan of computers and electronic components.
An international research team led by Professor Johan Liu from Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, discovered that the crystalline layer of graphene can absorb heat in small areas where electronic devices operate at high intensity and generate significant heat. Reducing the heat in these hotspots plays a crucial role in extending the lifespan of electronic devices.
A general rule found by researchers is that for every 10°C increase in temperature, the lifespan of an electronic device is cut in half. Cooling also requires energy—according to a 2007 report by the EPA, about 50% of the energy consumed by U.S. data centers was attributed to cooling, though this has been decreasing since 2006. Therefore, graphene, as a heat-dissipating material, could save a significant amount of energy.
“The average temperature at hotspots we cooled with graphene ranged from 55 to 115°C,” Professor Liu said. “We were able to lower the temperature by up to 13°C, which not only improves energy efficiency but also prolongs the lifespan of electronic components.”
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Shanghai University in China, and Swedish high-tech company SHT collaborated on this research, which was published in the journal Carbon.
