Eco Friendly Compounds to make “Green” Computer Hardware

Green technology involves the development of non-toxic and clean products often through revolutionary methods and techniques. The idea is to introduce enough changes in to the lives of humans that our practices ultimately become eco-conscious and eco-friendly.

(Image credit: Technology Innovations)

Electronics make our lives infinitely more convenient but often the technology required pays little respect to the environment around us. The latest development, which we are going to share with you guys today however is expected to make a contribution towards greener electronics in the future.

So here’s the existing problem…

Low power computer memory that is currently in use stores information using metals that are ferroelectric (meaning they form positive and negative poles when placed in an electric field). However the metals used for this are often either rare or toxic. As a result they pose a significant threat to the environment.

The solution?

Saffron colored crystalline croconic acid that demonstrates ferroelectric behavior. Also the material contains only carbon, oxygen and hydrogen!

Croconic acid was discovered 170 years ago but crystallised for the first time within the past decade. When the researchers applied an electric field to the crystals at room temperature they were able to reverse its electric polarity.

A note about Croconic acid for all the chemists out there…

Croconic acid or 1,2-dihydroxycyclopentenetrione is a chemical compound with formula C₅H₂O₅ or (C=O)₃(COH)₂. It is sensitive to light, soluble in water and ethanol and forms yellow crystals that decompose at 212°C.

It must be mentioned that…

There already exists organic polymer material like polyvinylidene fluoride that exhibit ferroelectric properties. However, out of all the different materials tested so far, crystalline croconic acid is the most organic and eco-friendly option.