Project description
Durable solutions for nanoelectronics systems
Nanoelectromechanical (NEMS) switches, which consume far less power than traditional transistors, could transform energy-efficient electronics. However, challenges related to wear, adhesion and electrical resistance at contact points limit their widespread adoption. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the PULPCDIMP project aims to develop durable oxide coatings for NEMS interfaces. Οxide formation is typically seen as a drawback, but PULPCDIMP will use it for NEMS switch interfaces as oxides offer high strength, resistance to creep and fatigue, and desired electrical properties. Researchers will conduct materials genome research to identify suitable oxides with distinct conduction mechanisms and advanced characterisation techniques to assess coating quality. Material performance will be tested using in situ atomic force microscopy. Simulations will provide atomic-level insights to guide experiments.
Objective
Nanoelectromechanical (NEMS) switches offer 10 to 100 times less power consumption than conventional transistors, but their widespread adoption is hindered by challenges related to adhesion, electrical contact resistance (ECR), and in-operando property evolution. This project aims to address these issues by developing reliable interface coatings capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of NEMS interface, such as high stresses, repetitive cycling, and Joule heating. Oxide formation on metal contacts is unavoidable, unlike tribopolymers. Though they are typically insulators, but can conduct electricity via electron dispersion and are proven effective in harsh environments. Oxides also offer advantages over metals, including high strength, low adhesion, and resistance to creep and fatigue, and can replace metal contacts completely. The proposal turns the liability into an advantage by considering oxides as a potential solution for NEMS switch interface. The project will use a materials genome search to select hard oxides with distinct conduction mechanisms—semimetals (RhO2, RuO2, TiOx), semiconductors (TiO2), and oxides with oxygen vacancies (Ta2Ox). Advanced characterization techniques such as TEM, XRD, and XPS will assess coating quality. To streamline the complex fabrication and testing process, an innovative in-situ AFM method with integrated plasma cleaning (to ensure clean environment), and controlled environment will be developed, enabling real-time monitoring of asperity interactions. This approach will directly link nano-asperity responses to actual NEMS interfaces. MD simulations will guide experiments, provide atomic-level insights, and develop semi-empirical prediction models for further development of NEMS switch architecture. This project aims to revolutionize energy-efficient computing by addressing tribo-chemo-electro-mechanics challenges at the NEMS interface, driving advancements in communication, transportation, sensing, medicine, and defense.
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.
- engineering and technology materials engineering coating and films
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics semiconductivity
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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.
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
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.
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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
SW7 2AZ London
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.