As the push for renewable energy sources accelerates, the demand for advanced semiconductors that can handle the rigors of high power, high voltage, and elevated temperatures is becoming increasingly critical. A recent study published in PRX Energy has identified promising new materials that could significantly enhance the performance of power electronics, which are essential for modern electricity grids.
Led by Emily M. Garrity, the research team conducted a comprehensive computational analysis of 1,340 known metal oxides to discover novel semiconductors suitable for high-power applications. The study highlights the limitations of currently used wide-band-gap materials, such as Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC), which are either expensive, difficult to synthesize, or possess undesirable thermal properties.
The researchers focused on the Baliga figure of merit (BFOM) and lattice thermal conductivity (κL) to evaluate the performance of various materials. They identified 47 ternary oxides that not only exceed the thermal conductivity of β-Ga2O3 but also show superior n-type BFOM compared to SiC and GaN. This suggests that these materials could be more efficient in power electronics applications.
Garrity’s team narrowed down their findings to 14 previously unexplored compounds, emphasizing the potential of classes such as thortveitites, pyrochlores, II-IV spinels, and calcite-type borates. Among these, In2Ge2O7, Mg2GeO4, and InBO3 emerged as particularly favorable candidates for n-type doping, making them viable options for future power electronic devices. “These materials could be grown as single crystals or thin-film heterostructures, which is essential for practical applications,” Garrity noted.
The implications of this research extend beyond academia into the commercial sector. As energy companies look to modernize and enhance their infrastructure, the introduction of these new semiconductors could lead to more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective power electronics. This could facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources into existing grids, ultimately supporting the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
The findings from Garrity’s study open up new pathways for innovation in the energy sector, potentially leading to breakthroughs that could reshape how power electronics are designed and utilized. As the demand for efficient energy solutions grows, these novel materials may play a pivotal role in meeting the challenges of a renewable energy landscape.
