Every day, modern technology is becoming more advanced. At the same time, the demand for more compact, powerful devices is growing. However, most electronics today rely on silicon, which can’t be scaled down enough to meet the increasing needs of most modern electronics. This is what inspired Samiha Chatoo, a master’s student in chemical engineering, to replace silicon with a new material that can improve the performance of modern electronic components, such as computer chips. This research helps make important technology such as medical devices and smartphones more reliable, efficient and sustainable.
Discovering new passions through co-op placements
Chatoo credits a co-op opportunity for her interest in this field. “After working in my co-op at Trusscore Inc., I realized I wanted to pursue a career in research and development,” she says. During her placement, she discovered organic electronics, materials science and semiconductor manufacturing.
She began her research while working with the Lessard Research Group after being connected through her co-op placement. “The foundation of all future and emerging technologies requires novel materials and their manufacturing. In the Lessard group, I get to be part of this exciting, always-evolving field,” she says.
Chatoo conducted her research in collaboration with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the Adronov Research Group at McMaster University and the National Research Council. She worked under the supervision of Professor Benoît Lessard. “I’m grateful to my supervisor for the opportunity to participate in such exciting research and for his guidance,” says Chatoo.
Testing new semiconductor materials
For her research, Chatoo used a special type of material to replace silicon as a semiconductor. Semiconductors are a key component in computer chips since they control the amount of electricity that travels through the device. The new material is known as a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT). “SWCNTs have the potential to supersede the performance of silicon semiconductors,” she says. “My research aims to sort, purify and place the carbon nanotubes so they can be used to build test electronic devices.”
Chatoo tested the effect of the SWCNTs by building devices with semiconducting nanotubes, some of which were wrapped in a polymer. This polymer helps with the organization and placement of the nanotubes. Once the devices were built, they were evaluated on their performance.
After the evaluation, Chatoo came to the conclusion that removing the polymer from the SWCNTs significantly increased the performance of the electronics. Results showed that the nanotubes without the polymer were 12 times more efficient than the ones wrapped in polymer.
Powering the next generation of electronics
Chatoo’s research opens the door for computer chips to become smaller and more powerful. They can be used in compact electronics, such as wearable medical devices. This advancement strengthens health and safety applications, allowing important devices to operate more reliably and comfortably on the body. SWCNTs also reduce the computer chip’s power consumption. This extends battery life, is more sustainable and supports the growing demands of artificial intelligence models, which increasingly rely on efficient, low‑energy hardware to operate.
Next, the SWCNTs need to be improved to withstand real-world scenarios. “The next steps in my research include testing a series of polymers and comparing their device performance, as well as simulating realistic conditions,” she says. “This includes putting the chips through a simulation of stressful conditions and testing them in increased temperatures.”
Chatoo hopes to pursue a career in industrial research and development. She aspires to continue working on technology that can help make society better.
Emerging materials, a uOttawa engineering priority
Emerging materials and processes: design and development is one of the five primary research areas at the uOttawa Faculty of Engineering. The University is dedicated to developing powerful materials that improve efficiency and reduce power consumption in electronics.
Chatoo won first place in the Emerging materials and processes: design and development category at the 2026 Engineering and Computer Science Graduate Poster Competition, held during Engineering Research Celebration Day. Her poster, Cleavable Polymer Sorting of Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes, captivated judges.
Discover other winning projects from the graduate poster competition.
