Citing Nikkei, scientists in Australia are studying mining waste in order to provide materials necessary for advanced semiconductors and other advanced technologies. In the context of the rapid development of modern science and technology, semiconductor materials, as the core components of electronic devices, have gradually attracted attention to their sources and manufacturing processes. Most of the main raw materials for chip materials are derived from various minerals, which are refined and processed into materials for the manufacture of high-performance chips. So what are the main chip materials?
1. Silicon ore: the cornerstone of semiconductors
Silicon (Si) is the most commonly used material in the semiconductor industry, and its main source is silicon ore (e.g., quartz). Quartz ore contains high-purity silica (SiO₂), which can be smelted and purified at high temperatures to obtain high-purity monocrystalline silicon. This silicon material is widely used in integrated circuits and microelectronic devices and is an indispensable foundation for modern electronic devices.
2. Gallium arsenide and arsenic ore
Gallium arsenide (GaAs) is an important semiconductor material for high-frequency and high-performance applications. Its main component, arsenic, comes from arsenic ores (such as pyrite). Gallium arsenide has excellent performance in RF applications and optoelectronic devices, making it widely used in communications and optoelectronics.
3. Indium Ore and Emerging Technologies
Indium is a key element used in semiconductor materials such as indium gallium oxide (InGaAs), mainly from indium ore. With the rise of high-efficiency solar cells and photodetectors, the demand for indium is increasing, and its use in the semiconductor field is becoming more and more important.
Figure: Australia seeks waste minerals What are the chip materials?
4. High-performance applications of germanium
Germanium (Ge) is a material with high electron mobility and is mainly used in optoelectronic devices. The main source of germanium is germanium ore, and its excellent electrical properties make it ideal for high-performance semiconductors, especially in the fields of infrared optics and optical communications.
5. Applications of bauxite and aluminum
Aluminum (Al) plays an important role in semiconductor packaging and heat dissipation materials, and bauxite is its main source. Aluminum's excellent electrical conductivity and lightweight properties make it widely used in electronics, especially in high-frequency and high-power devices.
6. The importance of copper mines
Copper (Cu) is an indispensable material in chip interconnects and packaging, and its main source is copper ore. As chip sizes shrink and interconnect densities increase, the range of applications for copper continues to expand, making it an important conductive material in modern electronic devices.
7. The special role of rare earth elements
In some semiconductor materials, rare earth elements (such as lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, etc.) are used as important components. These elements are mainly derived from rare earth minerals, and their unique electrical and optical properties have led to a wide range of applications in optoelectronic and magnetic materials.
8. Lithium Mines and the Future
Lithium (Li), as a key element of modern battery technology, is mainly derived from lithium mines. With the rise of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems, the demand for lithium continues to grow, driving the development of related technologies.
conclusion
From silicon to arsenic, indium, germanium and many other minerals, the production of chip materials relies on abundant mineral resources. With the continuous progress of science and technology and the change of market demand, the relationship between minerals and semiconductor materials will become closer. Understanding this relationship will not only help drive the semiconductor industry forward, but also provide an important foundation for achieving sustainable development. As the global demand for electronics increases, ensuring a sustainable supply of mineral resources will be an important challenge for the industry.
