Project description
Breakthrough dielectric material to transform sensor technology
The semiconductor market, dominated by field-effect transistors (FETs), is currently worth USD 607.40 billion and is set to grow significantly. Atomically thin body (ATB) semiconductors such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) have tremendous potential for ultra-sensitive sensors and detectors. However, MoS2 FETs face challenges like inconsistent performance, poor signal-to-noise ratios and scaling issues, which hinder their commercialisation. The ERC-funded Dielectrix project plans to develop a high-quality zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) dielectric that creates a clean interface with MoS2. This should enable high-performance, reliable and scalable FETs ready for industrial production. Dielectrix will demonstrate wafer-scale fabrication of MoS2, validate their high performance, assess the market and engage industry to commercialise this technology for the market of sensors.
Objective
The current semiconductor market – dominated by field effect transistors (FETs) is valued at $607.40 billion per year (projected to reach $980.80 billion by 2029). A significant portion of this market involves applications such as in high-performance sensing/detection. FETs based on atomically thin body (ATB) semiconductors such as molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) have tremendous potential for ultra-sensitive sensors and detectors in the near term. FETs for these applications can be integrated in back end of the line (BEOL) processes where the materials and integration requirements are less stringent – compared to FETs for processor chips. However, commercialization of MoS2 FETs has been slowed by the lack of stable and reproducible device operation that gives rise to poor signal to noise ratios. This has led to poor scalability, difficulty in achieving consistent electrical characteristics, and integration challenges with existing technology which has hindered the widespread adoption of MoS2 FETs for sensing and detection. Therefore, there is an urgent need to overcome these challenges to realize the full market potential of MoS2 FETs. Research supported by the PI’s ERC Advanced Grant has led to a transformative breakthrough in developing a high quality zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) dielectric that forms an utra-clean interface with MoS2 so that highly stable and consistent FETs can be realised. This discovery has demonstrated the feasibility of high-performance, reliable MoS2 FETs with the potential for industrial-scale production – which has the potential for revolutionise the sensor/detection FETs market. This Proof of Concept aims to take the necessary commercial and technical steps to bring this innovation to market: demonstrate wafer-scale fabrication of MoS2 /ZrO2 FETs, validate their high performance, conduct a critical market assessment to develop a business plan, and engage with industry and end-users to establish a clear route to commercialization.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry transition metals
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics semiconductivity
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2024-POC
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CB2 1TN CAMBRIDGE
United Kingdom
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