Sustainable Technology in Semiconductor R&D

Importance of Sustainable Technology in Semiconductor R&D

Environmentally Friendly Semiconductor R&D

The extraction and processing of the materials from which semiconductors are crafted (silicon, gallium arsenide, and other precious metals) are often energy-intensive and environmentally harmful. Sustainable technology in semiconductor R&D seeks to develop more efficient processes that reduce resource consumption and waste. With the increase in the global population, the demand for electronic devices has also increased, which puts immense pressure on semiconductor manufacturers to produce more while minimizing their environmental impact.

Sustainable Solutions for E-Waste

Energy consumption in semiconductor R&D is substantial, especially in fabrication plants, which also involves the release of greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. Sustainable technology in semiconductor R&D aims to enhance the energy efficiency of semiconductor manufacturing processes, from chip design to production, exploring cleaner and more environmentally friendly production methods, reducing emissions and the industry’s carbon footprint.

Similarly, electronic waste (e-waste) is another significant environmental concern since devices become obsolete at a rapid pace, and the disposal of outdated electronics contributes to pollution and resource depletion. Sustainable semiconductor technology focuses on designing longer-lasting, upgradable, and recyclable products.

Regulatory Compliance in Semiconductor R&D

In the quest for sustainable technology, semiconductor R&D has turned to advanced materials that offer higher energy efficiency and durability, making them essential for power electronics and renewable energy applications. Moreover, governments and international bodies are imposing stricter regulations on electronics manufacturing to protect the environment, encouraging sustainable technology in semiconductor R&D to ensure compliance with these regulations while proactively seeking eco-friendly solutions.

Recent Trends in Semiconductor R&D

Recent years have seen several noteworthy trends in semiconductor R&D, with sustainability at the forefront. Traditional semiconductor R&D involves two-dimensional (2D) chips, but 3D integration, which involves stacking multiple chip layers on top of each other, is an emerging trend that reduces the physical footprint and can lead to significant energy savings.

Another trend in semiconductor R&D is the integration of Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to optimize energy consumption in semiconductor manufacturing processes, enabling real-time monitoring and adaptive control of equipment, resulting in energy-efficient fabrication processes. Similarly, semiconductor R&D is embracing the circular economy concept by designing products with end-of-life recycling and repurposing in mind, which reduces the environmental impact of e-waste.

Recent Relevant Studies

Sustainable Photocatalytic Semiconductor R&D

Researchers in a 2019 study explored sustainable technology in semiconductor R&D. With increasing industrialization, energy crises, and environmental pollution, sustainable solutions are vital. Photocatalytic technology offers a low-cost, eco-friendly, and promising approach to address these issues, although industrial applications remain challenging.

The study delves into the ideal photocatalyst’s key features, emphasizing high efficiency, large surface area, full sunlight utilization, and recyclability. It covers semiconductor photocatalysis and challenges like limited absorption spectra, low quantum efficiency, and carrier recombination. Various methods are discussed to improve efficiency, including precious metal deposition, semiconductor compounds, and metal or non-metal ion doping. Researchers emphasize the technology’s applications in hydrogen production and wastewater treatment, highlighting its potential in solving energy and environmental problems. The study recognizes the need for more efficient and stable photocatalysts to accelerate technology industrialization.

Enhancing Water Efficiency in Semiconductor R&D

In a 2023 study, researchers examined the sustainability of water usage in semiconductor R&D, which is both water and energy-intensive. They analyzed sustainability reports from 24 leading semiconductor corporations and identified their water strategies and practices. The semiconductor industry consumed 7.51 billion cubic meters of water and 139 billion kWh of energy in a year. To address the industry’s water-intensive nature and environmental concerns, the study highlighted key water strategies, including water recycling, reuse, and restoration, with a focus on reverse osmosis for water treatment and separate treatment systems for wastewater.

The study also proposed a future water cycle system for semiconductor manufacturing parks, emphasizing multiple water sources, effective wastewater classification, and recycling. This research holds theoretical and practical significance for ensuring the semiconductor industry’s sustainable growth while mitigating water-related challenges.

Sustainable Technology in Semiconductor R&D: Future Prospects

In the rapidly evolving realm of semiconductor R&D, sustainable technology is becoming pivotal. As the world’s dependence on electronic devices grows, the demand for environmentally friendly semiconductor R&D intensifies.

Sustainable approaches aim to reduce energy consumption, lower emissions, and address the electronic waste problem. Recent trends, such as 3D chip integration and AI optimization, exemplify the industry’s commitment to sustainability. Two notable studies have emphasized the potential of photocatalytic technology and improved water efficiency in semiconductor R&D to achieve sustainable solutions. Semiconductor R&D’s future lies in fostering eco-friendly practices, ensuring efficiency, and sustaining competitiveness in an ever-changing landscape.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Relevant to the Issues Discussed in the Article

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.

   The article discusses the need for sustainable technology in semiconductor R&D to reduce energy consumption and lower emissions. This aligns with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Target 7.2 specifically focuses on increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, which is relevant to the article’s emphasis on developing more efficient and environmentally friendly processes in semiconductor R&D. The indicator 7.2.1 can be used to measure progress towards this target by tracking the renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption of the semiconductor industry.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
   • Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added.

   The article highlights the importance of sustainable technology in semiconductor R&D to reduce resource consumption, waste, and emissions. This aligns with SDG 9, which aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. Target 9.4 specifically focuses on upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean technologies. The indicator 9.4.1 can be used to measure progress towards this target by tracking the CO2 emissions per unit of value added in the semiconductor industry.

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
   • Indicator 12.5.1: National recycling rate, tons of material recycled.

   The article discusses the need for sustainable solutions for e-waste in semiconductor R&D, such as designing longer-lasting, upgradable, and recyclable products. This aligns with SDG 12, which aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. Target 12.5 specifically focuses on reducing waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse. The indicator 12.5.1 can be used to measure progress towards this target by tracking the national recycling rate and the tons of material recycled from electronic devices in the semiconductor industry.

4. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

   The article highlights the need for sustainable technology in semiconductor R&D to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the industry’s carbon footprint. This aligns with SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Target 13.2 specifically focuses on integrating climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. The indicator 13.2.1 can be used to measure progress towards this target by tracking the number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into their policies and strategies related to the semiconductor industry.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: azom.com

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