I think what happened is we found something rare with interesting properties, then we sort of cost-optimized with other materials until we found something cheaper with similar properties.
I think the germanium point contact transistor was sold, but eventually got us via practical methods to the silicon chips we have now. We have had more expensive exotic materials like gallium arsenide.
So I think his comment in the article will happen:
“Now that we know what structural and electronic properties are needed to achieve the new transport regime discovered in this work, there is good likelihood that we will find earth-abundant alternatives to this rhenium-based material that also show impressive transport properties,” Delor says.
I think the germanium point contact transistor was sold, but eventually got us via practical methods to the silicon chips we have now. We have had more expensive exotic materials like gallium arsenide.
So I think his comment in the article will happen:
“Now that we know what structural and electronic properties are needed to achieve the new transport regime discovered in this work, there is good likelihood that we will find earth-abundant alternatives to this rhenium-based material that also show impressive transport properties,” Delor says.