Projects / Programmes
Electronic ceramics, nano, 2D and 3D structures
January 1, 2015
- December 31, 2021
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.09.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Electronic components and technologies |
|
| 2.04.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P260 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic and optical properties, supraconductors, magnetic resonance, relaxation, spectroscopy |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.02 |
Engineering and Technology |
Electrical engineering, Electronic engineering, Information engineering |
materials, structure, electronics, ferroelectrics, piezoelectrics, electrocalorics, transparent electronics, printing, thin films, thick films, microsystems, sensors, numerical modeling
Researchers (41)
Organisations (1)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
0106 |
Jožef Stefan Institute |
Ljubljana |
5051606000 |
90,724 |
Abstract
The research goal of the programme group, which is active within the Electronic ceramics department, Jožef Stefan Institute, is to obtain, use and to transfer knowledge in selected fields of ceramic materials and processes, with applications in electronics, medical diagnostics and energetics.
In the frame of research of new materials or materials with improved properties, such as piezo-, ferroelectrics, relaxors, and materials for transparent electronics, the focus is on understanding of the effect of chemical composition, structure and microstructure on selected functional properties. Within the lead-free piezoelectrics we will study alkali niobate based layer-structures for sensorics and energy harvesting. We will contribute to the development of high-temperature piezoelectrics () 200 oC) based on BiFeO3; namely, we will study the relation between the conductivity of domain walls and macroscopic piezoelectric response. In the field of electrocalorics our aim is to develop materials which will exhibit high temperature changes at moderate electric fields. In the field of materials for transparent electronics we will study dielectrics and p-type conductive oxides mainly for transparent electronic components and sensors.
We will study fundamentals of processes and technologies, such as synthesis of nano-particles, processing of bulk ceramics, thin and thick films, patterning of discrete structures, processing of transparent electronic components, thick-film sensors of physical quantities and microsystems (chemical and micro-electro-mechanical systems - MEMS) based on Low Temperature Cofired Ceramics (LTCC). Our aim is to contribute to understanding of mechanisms of selected processes, such as mechanochemical synthesis, solid state synthesis, combustion synthesis, chemical solution deposition of thin films at low temperatures, inkjet printing of solutions and colloidal dispersions, constrained sintering of discrete structures on different substrates, and some basic problems of size reduction and integration of ceramic materials.
Our mission is to be an excellent research group in the field of materials and structures for electronics and energetics, which collaborates with groups from complementary fields, such as condensed matter physics and electronics both in Slovenia and abroad. Furthermore, we strive to act as an efficient link between the academia and industry, and to be active in education both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Significance for science
The importance of the research programme for the development of science is in the following fields:
New materials or materials with improved properties, mainly piezoelectrics, ferroelectrics and relaxors, materials for transparent electronics (dielectrics, n- and p-type conducting oxides): understanding composition – structure – functional properties relationship.
Contribution to understanding of mechanisms of selected processes, including mechanochemical synthesis of particles, solid state synthesis, combustion synthesis, chemical solution deposition, synthesis at low temperatures, inkjet printing of solutions and dispersions of colloidal particles, constrained sintering of discrete structures on different substrates.
Understanding of fundamental problems of decreasing the dimensions and of integration of ceramic materials: comparison of properties of bulk ceramics, thick- and thin films, separation of intrinsic and extrinsic contributions.
Selected research topics:
- The lack of the basic knowledge on the point defects in alkali-niobates-based lead-free piezoelectric thin-films, their control and influence on functional properties hinder their potential application in MEMS devices. An innovative process approach to control the defect chemistry, based on combined addition of alkali excess, acceptor doping and precise control of the partial oxygen pressure during the high-temperature heating is proposed.
-The emphasis of the research of the high-temperature piezoelectric BiFeO3 will be on understanding of the contribution of the domain-wall conductivity to macroscopic piezoelectric response. A further step is to verify if the proposed mechanism is valid for perovskite ferroelectrics in general.
-The main obstacle for the practical use of electrocaloric (EC) effect is in too low EC temperature changes obtained in bulk ceramics. The aim of the research of the EC effect in lead-based relaxor-ferroelectrics is to determine and understand the correlation between the chemical composition, microstructure, dielectric strength and the temperature change obtained upon applied electric field.
-Design of the solvent systems of solution-based inks for inkjet printing of transparent electronic components with thicknesses of a few 10 nm, which would enable patterning with a high resolution, uniform thickness and microstructure and a good functional response.
-Designing the properties of water-based suspensions (chemical composition, particle size, particle size distribution, stability, rheological properties) and optimisation of conditions for processing thick-film structures on ceramic substrates (inkjet printing, screen printing, electrophoretic deposition) in order to process piezoelectric structures with defined geometry and chemical composition, homogeneous microstructure and as good as possible lateral resolution for a selected technology (a few µm – a few 10 µm).
Significance for the country
In our opinion the research programme Electronic ceramics, nano, 2D and 3D structures is important for socio-economic and cultural development of Slovenia for several reasons. The group is active within the Electronic ceramics department, Jožef Stefan Institute, and is the leading group in Slovenia in the fields of basic and applied research of ceramic materials for electronic components and ceramic microsystems (chemical, MEMS). This enables cooperation with many Slovenian companies, for example HIPOT-RR, KEKO Equipment, KEKON, KEKO Varicon, HYB, ETI Elektroelement, BSH, LPKF. It is worth mentioning more than forty years long cooperation with the company HIPOT-RR, as one of the successors of the company Iskra Elements. To improve the cooperation and to enable the technology transfer some of the researchers from industry (HIPOT-RR, HYB, KEKO Equipment) are permanent members of the research group.
Microsystems are miniaturized devices that perform electronic and non-electronic functions. Typical microsystems have mechanical parts; electrical parts; different fluidic, thermal and optical structures; different sensors and actuators; etc. Microsystems are some of the fastest-growing technologies in Europe. Complex microsystems combine different materials (silicon, ceramic, metal, polymer, etc.) and technologies (semiconductor, thin and thick film, etc.). In some demanding applications thick-film technologies and ceramic materials represent a useful alternative especially where chemical, thermal, stability and mechanical stability are important factors. In the past five years, the value chain in the field of ceramic-microsystems including the research group, Department of Systems and Control, Jožef Stefan Institute, Centre of Excellence NAMASTE, National Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana and industrial partners HIPOT-RR, TC SEMTO, KEKO Equipment, KEKON in HYB was built.
Materials and technology for fabrication of ceramic pressure sensors can be mentioned as an outstanding result of the cooperation with the company HYB in the previous period. Some of the products are close to the market. The response from the market opens new challenges and additional goals for further research work.
Within the call for researhers at the beginning of their career issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, the project on processing and properties of silicate materials for fabrication of electro-technical elements has started in collaboration with the company ETI Elektroelement. The materials based on steatite and cordierite prepared from natural raw materials will be investigated in order to decrease the fluctuation of the characteristics of the products.
Similarly as in the previous period, the research group will pay attention to the positive socio-economic impacts of its work. Intensive cooperation with industry, maily electronics and electrical industry, which is one of the most importan industrial segments in Slovenia, will continue. It will comprise: (i) inclusion of researchers and experts from industry into the research group (three at the beginning); (ii) dissemination of knowledge as a continuous process based on consulting, expertise, education, and exchange of experts; (iii) projects and services; (iv) cooperation in joint projects. Networking with other research and development groups is also important, not only to obtain a critical mass in selected fields but also for more effective use of expensive research infrastructure. A high level of achieved research goals in the previous period is also related to the intensive collaboration with other R & D groups.
The researchers are members of professional associations in Slovenia and Europe, and participate in organization of different events (conferences, workshops …). They are active also in MIDEM, Society for microelectronics, electronic components and materials, Technol
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2015,
interim report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2015,
interim report
