The EXPRESS programme, a five-year, £10.4 million EPSRC-funded project led by the University of Warwick and University of Southampton, will support the development of next-generation transistor and optoelectronic devices.
The programme will explore new electrochemical approaches combined with novel precursor chemistry to grow transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) – advanced layered semiconductors with potential applications in ultra-low-power electronics, neuromorphic computing, photonic circuits, and quantum technologies.
Warwick lead, Professor Julie Macpherson of the Department of Chemistry said: “TMDCs have enormous potential for future transistor and optoelectronic devices but producing them reliably, at scale, and with high levels of crystallinity, remains a major challenge.
“This programme brings together expertise across chemistry, physics, and electronics to explore new ways of controlling how these materials form, which will help unlock their use in next-generation devices.”
The team will investigate a novel approach based on electrodeposition methodology, guided by specially designed molecules that help control how the materials assemble and grow. This approach will allow TMDCs to be grown directly within three-dimensional electronic structures, avoiding complex transfer steps and enabling more reliable testing of their properties.
Southampton lead, Professor Gill Reid said: “Layered 2D semiconductors offer great potential for creating the faster, more energy-efficient devices that the world needs. We are exploring a new electrodeposition-based method to precisely control the growth of these layered materials, making semiconductor chips easier to produce.
“It’s a simple idea that we hope will turn a massive challenge into a major opportunity for future tech. The breadth of expertise across the EXPRESS team is what makes this programme possible – and incredibly exciting.”
Alongside advancing semiconductor technologies, the programme will support and train early-career researchers, helping to build UK capability in advanced materials and electronics.
Facts Only
Programme: Express
Funding: £10.4 million by EPSRC
Lead Universities: University of Warwick, University of Southampton
Goal: Develop next-generation transistor and optoelectronic devices
Material Focus: Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs)
Potential Applications: Ultra-low-power electronics, neuromorphic computing, photonic circuits, quantum technologies
Approach: New electrochemical approaches combined with novel precursor chemistry to grow TMDCs
Early-career Researchers Support: Yes
Executive Summary
Full Take
The Express programme represents an attempt to advance semiconductor technology through the use of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), a class of advanced layered semiconductors. This project aims to address the challenge of reliably, scalably, and crystalline producing TMDCs for future transistor and optoelectronic devices. The approach being explored involves electrodeposition methodology guided by specially designed molecules that help control how the materials assemble and grow. This method will allow TMDCs to be grown directly within three-dimensional electronic structures, simplifying testing of their properties.
This project is significant because it has the potential to create faster, more energy-efficient devices, which are critical for future technological development. The collaboration between chemistry, physics, and electronics experts across Warwick and Southampton brings a multidisciplinary approach that could lead to breakthroughs in material science and technology.
However, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges associated with this project. Producing TMDCs reliably and at scale while maintaining high levels of crystallinity remains a significant hurdle. Additionally, the success of this project will depend on the ability to precisely control the growth of these layered materials, which is a complex task.
Patterns detected: ARC-0043 Motte-and-Bailey (the focus is on potential applications without guaranteed results), ARC-0024 Ambiguity (the challenges associated with the project are mentioned).
Questions for further inquiry: What specific breakthroughs might this project achieve? How will the collaboration between Warwick and Southampton contribute to the project's success? What challenges must be overcome to realize the full potential of TMDCs in next-generation devices?
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