Periodic Reporting for period 1 - HYPERSONIC (High mobilitY Printed nEtwoRks of 2D Semiconductors for advanced electrONICs)
Période du rapport: 2024-04-01 au 2025-03-31
Future technological innovations in areas such as the Internet of things and wearable electronics require cheap, easily deformable and reasonably performing printed electronic circuitries. However, current state-of-the-art (SoA) printed electronic devices show mobilities of ~10 cm2/Vs, about ×100 lower than traditional Si-electronics. A promising solution to print devices from 2D semiconducting nanosheets gives relatively low mobilities (~0.1 cm2/Vs) due to the rate-limiting nature of charge transfer (CT) across inter-nanosheet junctions. By minimising the junction resistance RJ, the mobility of printed devices could match that of individual nanosheets, i.e. up to 1000 cm2/Vs for phosphorene, competing with Si. HYPERSONIC is a high-risk, high-gain interdisciplinary project exploiting new chemical and physical approaches to minimise RJ in printed nanosheet networks, leading to ultra-cheap printed devices with a performance ×10–100 beyond the SoA. The chemical approach relies on chemical crosslinking of nanosheets with (semi)conducting molecules to boost inter-nanosheet CT. The physical approach involves synthesising high-aspect-ratio nanosheets, leading to low bending rigidity and increased inter-nanosheet interactions, yielding conformal, large-area junctions of >104 nm2 to dramatically reduce RJ. Our radical new technology will use a range of n- or p-type nanosheets to achieve printed networks with mobilities of 100s of cm2/Vs. A comprehensive electrical characterisation of all nanosheet networks will allow us to not only identify those with ultra-high mobility but also to fully control the relation between basic physics/chemistry and network mobility. We will demonstrate the utility of our technology by using our best-performing networks as complementary field-effect devices in next-generation, integrated, wearable sensor arrays. Printed digital and analog circuits will read and amplify sensor signals, demonstrating a potential commercialisable application.
The project has successfully completed the design, production, and synthesis of solution-processed 2D materials, along with the selection of suitable organic linkers for the creation of covalently interconnected networks. High-aspect-ratio nanosheets have been produced, and initial efforts to control defect content are now underway. In parallel, the structural, spectroscopic, and electronic characterisation of 2D material films has been completed. Significant progress has also been made in the development of novel characterisation methods, and the first steps in analysing the covalently linked networks have been carried out. Work is ongoing to achieve precise control over physicochemical properties across multiple scales and under a variety of conditions. Additionally, the characterisation of electrochemically exfoliated nanosheets is in progress, with initial electrical measurements currently being conducted.
The project has already begun to deliver advances beyond the current state of the art in the field of 2D materials and nanoelectronics. Early-stage research has contributed to a deeper understanding of critical factors affecting the performance and manufacturability of 2D network transistors, laying the groundwork for future scientific and technological breakthroughs. Progress has been made in exploring methods to address long-standing limitations in material synthesis and processing. These insights are expected to support the development of more reliable, scalable, and efficient fabrication techniques for next-generation electronic components. Potential avenues for intellectual property generation have also been identified, with initial steps taken to assess innovation potential. In parallel, preliminary results have highlighted the promise of emerging materials for use in flexible and printable electronic devices. This creates opportunities for future development in key application areas such as wearable technology, smart packaging, and low-cost sensors. These early outcomes provide a strong foundation for impactful developments, supporting Europe’s strategic ambitions in advanced materials and sustainable electronics.