2006-11-12 05:55:05 · 3 answers · asked by pankaj t 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
I believe the correct answer is two-fold. First, Carbon is a nonmetal, with very tightly bound electrons, making its intrinsic conduction of electricity rather poor, even under the most ideal of circumstances. Furthermore, semiconductor devices MUST be made of a single crystal, and in this case this would be diamond. I believe it WOULD be possible to make some transistors from diamond, but they would be prohibitively expensive to make, and thus not practical.
2006-11-12 05:58:11 · answer #1 · answered by Sciencenut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Carbon, in the form of single-crystal diamond, can, has, and will continue to used as a semiconductor.
It's outstanding thermal conductivity but high price, compared to silicon, germanium, gallium arsenide, silicon carbide, and other semiconductors, nevertheless make it worth the effort to grow, dope, and manufacture diamond semiconductors for certain military and space-based applications.
2006-11-12 14:24:53 · answer #2 · answered by hevans1944 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In order for a material to be a good conductor, it must have free electrons in order for the electricity to be conducted. Carbon has a half filled outer level, and doesn't really have any free floating electrons, so it is not a very good conductor.
2006-11-12 14:03:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋