MOLESCO

EU Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN)

MOLECULAR-SCALE ELECTRONICS: “MOLESCO” Project Number 606728

January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2017

Co-ordinator: Prof. Martin R. Bryce

Background to Molecular-Scale Electronics

It is widely acknowledged that within the next 10-15 years the fundamental size limitations of silicon-based technology will need to be overcome by a bottom-up approach. A transition to sub-10 nm electronics will require new materials and new devices, for which molecular-electronic materials have high promise. Attractive features of such materials include intrinsic functionalities integrated into their molecular structure and the availability of identical building blocks defined at the atomic scale. However, in common with conventional silicon-based technology, where function is inherently linked to the interface between differently-doped semiconductors, or between semiconductors and insulators, the reliable control of stable interfaces between these new materials and source-drain electrodes or gates remains a fundamental challenge.

The MOLESCO network will create a unique training and research environment to develop a pool of young researchers capable of achieving breakthroughs aimed at realising the immense potential of molecular electronics. In part this will involve the major challenges of design and fabrication of molecular-scale devices. To deliver this step-change in capability, MOLESCO will coordinate the activities of internationally-leading scientists from six different countries, together with several associate partners including SMEs and global companies. A highly-integrated approach to the experimental and theoretical aspects of molecular-scale electronics will deliver the fundamental knowledge and new fabrication strategies needed to underpin future nanotechnologies targeted for electronics applications. MOLESCO represents a highly interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration between teams with an extensive portfolio of skills, including molecular synthesis, fabrication of molecular junctions, imaging of molecular junctions with atomic resolution, measurements of charge transport, and electronic structure and transport calculations. The network has a strong focus on interdisciplinary research and training. MOLESCO researchers will gain the multidisciplinary and intersectoral skills to become versatile scientists, prepared to work both in academia and industry. 

Partners, Associate Partners and Recruited Fellows

Training Events, Workshops and Conferences

Vacancies

News Items

Publications