Nano- and Microstructured Semiconductor Materials for Macroelectronics

Abstract

This chapter reviews the potential applications of micro- and nanostructured materials in the emerging area of electronic systems that involve flexible thin film transistors (TFTs) on large area plastic substrates, often referred to as ‘macroelectronics’. Approaches for fabricating various one-dimensional or two-dimensional semiconductor nanostructures (including nanowires, nanoribbons, and single-walled carbon nanotubes) are discussed. Techniques such as dry transfer printing and solution phase assembly are compared for the purpose of generating high-quality thin films of semiconductor nanostructures on plastic substrates. High-performance TFTs and complementary logic gates are demonstrated. The combined use of these materials and techniques may advance the development of practical technologies for emerging applications of macroelectronics in consumer, space and military systems.