European researchers discovered that stretching graphene can make it a good semiconductor. Normally, there is a lack of a 'gap' Graphene's energy spectrum. This gap is present in silicon and other materials used by the semiconductor industry. Without the gap, Graphene tends to 'leak' energy when used as a transistor.
The researchers discovered that when you stretch graphene, the semiconducting gap opens.
Posted: Sep 29,2009 by Ron Mertens