Functionalization of Semiconductor Surfaces

CHAPTER 1

Introduction

FRANKLIN (FENG) TAO, YUAN ZHU, AND STEVEN L. BERNASEK

1.1 MOTIVATION FOR A BOOK ON FUNCTIONALIZATION OF SEMICONDUCTOR SURFACES

Microelectronics has grown into the heart of modern industries, driving almost all the technologies of today. Semiconductor materials play ubiquitous and irreplaceable roles in the development of microelectronic computing, micro- and optoelectronic devices, microelectromechanical machines, three-dimensional memory chips, and sensitive silicon-based nano- or biological sensors. Being the most technologically important material, silicon and its surface chemistry have received phenomenal attention in the past two decades. One important motivation for semiconductor surface chemistry is to fine-tune the electronic properties of device surfaces and interfaces for applications in several technologically important areas. Chemical attachment of molecules to the semiconductor surface enables the necessary control over electron transfer through the semiconductor–organic interface. It also allows control of the architecture of the organic overlayer by chemical modification of the functionalized silicon-based templates. It provides a versatile and reproducible way to tailor the electronic properties of semiconductor surfaces in a controllable manner.

Organic molecules are widely used in areas from plastics to semiconductors. Compared to the world of inorganic materials, organic materials exhibit unique chemical and physical properties and biocompatibility. ...