As the demand for microelectronics continues to surge, concerns regarding the environmental impact of semiconductor manufacturing are becoming increasingly pressing. Recent studies indicate that the semiconductor industry accounts for a significant 31% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with projections from the U.S. Department of Energy predicting that these emissions could quadruple by 2030. In response to these alarming figures, innovative research initiatives are being undertaken by students from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU), focusing on ways to enhance the sustainability of semiconductor production. This initiative is supported by TSMC, one of the largest semiconductor manufacturers globally, which has been expanding its operations in Arizona to meet industry demands.
Under the Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative (FURI), students at ASU are working closely with faculty to transition theoretical knowledge into practical solutions aimed at mitigating the environmental effects of semiconductor manufacturing. Recently, TSMC has funded eight projects tied to semiconductor sustainability for the fall 2024 semester, aligning research goals with the urgent need for eco-friendliness in the industry.
David McComas, an electrical engineering student at ASU, is spearheading one such project that investigates the potential of diamond static induction transistors, a novel approach aimed at reducing energy consumption in power and radio frequency electronics. These transistors play a crucial role in both regulating electricity flow in various devices and amplifying signals in communications systems. McComas indicates that "we can create a new generation of smaller, faster, more efficient and more sustainable devices than those we use today." The use of diamond, which boasts exceptional thermal conductivity and a high breakdown field, could significantly enhance the performance and sustainability of electronic devices, potentially resulting in reduced electricity consumption and improved environmental outcomes.
In parallel, fellow student Jay Schroeder is tackling a different but equally critical issue associated with semiconductor manufacturing emissions. Collaborating with Shuguang Deng, a professor of chemical engineering, Schroeder’s project focuses on employing porous crystalline materials called zeolites to capture tetrafluoromethane, a greenhouse gas that is extensively used during the semiconductor etching process. Current methods to capture tetrafluoromethane are energy-intensive and not entirely effective. Schroeder explains that zeolites can bond with the gas molecules more efficiently, requiring little to no electricity and potentially capturing a higher percentage of emissions.
The implications of these research projects are manifold, not only for the semiconductor industry but also for the broader goal of addressing climate change. TSMC's involvement has expanded opportunities for hands-on research for undergraduate students, paving the way for future innovations in semiconductor manufacturing. Professor Shuguang Deng remarked on TSMC’s commitment, saying, "TSMC’s commitment to supporting sustainability-oriented research at the undergraduate level is truly commendable." The initiative is seen as a way to enhance the STEM ecosystem while preparing the next generation of engineers to tackle pressing industry challenges.
By integrating sustainable practices into semiconductor research and production, these students are detecting the potential for impactful change within a sector that has significant environmental repercussions. Both McComas and Schroeder showcase the capacity for academic exploration to influence industry standards and practices, creating a pathway for more environmentally responsible electronics manufacture in the years ahead.
Source: Noah Wire Services