Publication: Potential of Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Transistors for Flexible Electronics Applications
Mechanically flexible electronics are expected to increase in the coming years, opening up numerous applications that were previously unattainable with classical rigid semiconductors. Consequently, the request for semiconductor materials that are both flexible and compatible to new production becomes relevant. In a recent publication, researchers from AMO GmbH, ELD Chair, University of Wuppertal, University of Fribourg published a perspective article discussing the potential of on two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) as a promising choice for flexible electronics, particularly as channel materials for field-effect transistors (FETs). The work was published in the journal Advanced Electronic Materials.
This article aims to familiarize readers with the flexible TMDCs-FETs world. In particular, the focus goes both to high-quality chemically grown 2D-TMDCs and chemically exfoliated flakes. Initially, the emphasis is on describing most recent extraordinary achievement in TMDC transistor technology. Simultaneously, it covers the challenges that these materials must overcome to open the possibility to industrial production and commercialization.
To provide a broader view of the flexible electronics world, the authors present a state-of-the-art comparison of different flexible transistor materials, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of TMDCs in comparison to other flexible semiconducting materials.
Finally, the article gives an overview of potential applications of TMDC-FETs in flexible electronics. Chemically grown TMDCs exhibit higher performance but come with elevated production costs and limited dimensions. These aspects make them suitable for applications such as healthcare, where high performance and complex circuits are essential, and costs are less relevant. On the other hand, chemically exfoliated TMDC layers, can be potentially produced in large scale, enabling low-cost devices, ideal for applications for large volume productions ranging from displays and e-paper to smart textiles and packaging.
Bibliographic info
“Potential of Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Transistors for Flexible Electronics Applications”
Piacentini, A., Daus, A., Wang, Z., Lemme, M. C., & Neumaier, D. (2023) Advanced Electronic Materials, 9(8), 2300181. https://doi.org/10.1002/aelm.202300181