Molecular-Metal-Oxide-nanoelectronicS (M-MOS): Achieving the Molecular Limit

Our vision is to demonstrate functional circuits using molecular metal-oxides (MMOs), connecting self-assembled MMOs into top-down, lithographically defined CMOS architectures with the ultimate aim of achieving the molecular limit in data storage and processing: i.e. realising inorganic, single molecule transistors. Our proposal is unique because: (i) it identifies a new class of inherently CMOS-compatible and functional molecules that have not previously been considered (or even patented) for 'beyond-Moore' applications; (ii) it aims to address key practicalities of scalability, interfacing, stability and reproducibility that are often omitted from schemes aiming simply to construct a single demonstrator device; and (iii) it is underpinned by a strongly-collaborative team with complementary expertise in molecular synthesis, modelling and device fabrication. This project is highly creative and adventurous, proposing that inorganic molecules could be reliably used in the fabrication of nano-electronic devices that take advantage of the intrinsic electronic properties of molecules as switchable molecular semiconductors (EPSRC success feature 1). It supports talent at all levels - from senior professors to early career researchers - in a highly supportive and collaborative context (EPSRC success feature 2). Initially, we propose to design hybrid devices combing CMOS embedded with bistable MMOs and to examine the interplay between 'bulk' and nano-molecular semiconducting units. Our approach is both innovative and practical because it embeds molecular electronics within the current the state-of-the-art, allowing us to address practical issues and develop know-how in this new field, before down-scaling to 'beyond-Moore' dimensions down to the molecular limit with collaborations that achieve a two-way flow of knowledge between the research base and industry (Building collaborations that achieve a two-way flow of knowledge between the research base and industry (EPSRC success feature 3) and at the same time this proposal encourages and supports research that crosses the borders between disciplines (EPSRC success feature 4). Theoretical studies of both single clusters and arrays will allow us to predict their behaviour and design new architectures; surface studies and device measurements will enable us to assess the electronic characteristics of devices and drive us towards viable nanoelectronics that can be mass-produced therby developing a shared vision of tomorrow's major challenges and opportunities with stakeholders: society, industry, universities and other partners (EPSRC succes feature 5). We aim to show that MMO-CMOS (herein called M-MOS) can function with 'embedded' molecular units and we plan towards the single molecule limit. This potential will be assessed and exploited within the Glasgow Nano EPSRC KTA (EP/H500138/1) allowing 'real-time' technology transfer allowing us to immediately seize any commercial development opportunities thereby building a better understanding of where we should focus our effort to benefit both UK society and the UK economy and increase its global competitiveness (ESPRC success feature 6).Finally this programme will directly train 7 PDRAs and 4 PhDs and indirectly train 8 further PhDs and 24 undergraduate / erasmus students thereby creating and sustaining research scientists and engineers in the UK so that they are recognised worldwide as leaders in their field (EPSRC success feature 7).

Who will benefit from this research? The semi-conductor / microelectronics / nano-fabrication industries will be the major beneficiaries of this research at all levels from multi-nationals to SMEs and spin out companies. In addition UK HEIs, students and the general public will also be beneficiaries as well as the UK-PLC as a whole. How will they benefit from this research? Industry: The semi-conductor / microelectronics / nano-fabrication industries will benefit from the new technologies generated in this research since it will provide, in the short term, performance upgrades to CMOS-based devices, as well as building in the ability to down-scale towards the molecular limit over the coming decade or two without the problems described above in the background. These benefits will be of great interest also to SMEs and spin-outs that develop niche applications that will directly utilize and develop some of the technology in other directions developing 'niche' high value applications. The interactions between Chemists, Physicists, and Electrical Engineers proposed in this grant will also yield great potential teaching and research benefits for the students and the University. This is because undergraduate, ERASMUS, and PhD students will get the chance to take part in research that crosses the interface of this project and it may also be possible to develop a research masters based on this area that will train the next generation of researchers and engineers for nano-electronics. General Public: The general public will benefit from this research from the increase in wealth that will be developed and the public understanding and promotion of science activities planned through public lectures at Glasgow / Edinburgh Science Weeks, Caf Scientifique, via the PPE grant that the PI is involved in entitled Giants of the Infinitesimal EP/G062536/1 which aims to bring the nano-world to life. What will be done to ensure that they have the opportunity to benefit from this research? This programme grant will incorporate an technology transfer element that will allow 'real-time' technology transfer to industry including multi-nationals, SMEs, and spin-outs. This technology transfer element will interact directly with the EPSRC funded Nanotechnology Knowledge Training Account (KTA) awarded to the University of Glasgow & Glasgow University Research and Enterprise. Through the KTA we will exploit and give this work visibility, interact with end-users, and develop a forum of interested parties that will receive information and progress about the project as it proceeds. We will make some of our funding available to ensure the following technology overlaps / exploitation / collaborations are developed: (i) Part funding of a technology transfer 'researcher' who's job it is to identify new ideas and possibilities in the programme research that can be transferred to partners by seconding this individual to the partner lab. As a result of this cross departmental collaboration, new approaches to molecular and engineering nanosciences will be developed. In synergy with the project the WP leaders will develop a lecture / workshop module to address the interdisciplinary aspects; three modules are planned from a chemical, electrical engineering, and modelling perspective. It is envisaged that as the programme develops and expands that the training element could expand into a MSc. Course in molecular and engineering nanoscience. General Public: A website will be established called Nanochemistry-NOW! that will explain our project, the collaboration, the big idea, and the advances expected. In addition we will give lectures at Glasgow Science week and Caf Scientifique. One example to be given by LC is 'Molecular nanosciences: Computing with molecules .