IBM puts silicon on the shelf

IBM claims to have created ultra-fast transistors out of carbon molecules that could make traditional silicon chips extinct.

The carbon transistors are the latest in nanotechnology, which involves developing ever-faster and ever-smaller chip components.

IBM said its researchers made the transistors from carbon nanotubes - carbon molecules with a long, tubular structure. They have proven to be the best type of molecule for replacing silicon.

Researchers at the company are excited about the announcement because although existing silicon transistor manufacturing techniques were used to make the nano-transistors, the carbon products were faster.

The nanotube transistors enabled electronic flow at faster rates than current silicon products.

Research will continue for a further three years before the company decides whether it is viable to put the transistors on the market.

Industry commentators believe that over the next decade silicon will be made redundant in the semiconductor industry.