We recently related an experiment that could lead to the cost-effective production of graphene, a material with thermal, electrical and mechanical properties way beyond those of silicon, for a number of specific uses. But good news never come alone: MIT researchers announced they have developed a new synthetic material that may render graphene obsolete even before it’s real.

For although it is super conductive, graphene has one flaw: it doesn’t have an energy bandgap – the area between the non-conductive valence band and the conduction band, which acts as a switch to control the passage of electrons. In other words, graphene is a highway for electrons with no means to control them. Therefore, in order for it to be used as a semiconductor, other molecules have to be added which, of course, affects its properties.

With the same honeycomb structure as graphene, Ni3(HITP)2 also has excellent conductive properties, plus a “natural” bandgap. It’s also easier to produce, and because it’s synthesized, this compound could pave the way for a whole range of other compounds with adjustable properties. The Exascale has never been closer!