UPGRADE · bottom-UP blueprinting GRAphene baseD Electronics

UPGRADE targets a fundamental breakthrough by achieving the first proof-of-concept of chemically controlled engineering of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), through a novel and fast bottom-up patterning technique, which will enable the atomically-controlled fabrication of patterned GNRs over large areas. GNRs combine the advantages of graphene with the semiconducting properties required for the design of efficient field-effect transistors (FETs). The challenge here involves the development of an unconventional and innovative technology allowing for the fabrication of GNRs-based FET devices that feature reproducible and tailored electronic properties. In particular, the bottom-up approach is foreseen to provide graphene nanostructures with fully controlled physical, chemical and ultimately electronic properties at the atomic scale and should result in unprecedented graphene field-effect transistors characteristics.UPGRADE relies on a multidisciplinary and stepwise approach to integrate the work and expertise of young yet highly skilled researchers from complementary disciplines. The objectives will be achieved through five scientific work packages: i) Use of computation approaches including molecular mechanics/dynamics and quantum-chemical techniques to shed light on the process of self-assembly and electronic properties of the GNRs, as well as to provide theoretical support to the experimental results and design molecular architectures of interest; ii) Synthesis of functional building blocks; iii) Engineering of the graphene nanoribbons; iv) Multiscale physico-chemical quantitative studies of interfaces and hybrid nanostructures; v) Device fabrication and testing.The high risk nature of UPGRADE is offset by the potential breakthroughs that should emerge from the project in the field of ICT electronic devices and systems, thereby opening new R&D avenues for future technologies and strengthening Europe's global leadership in ICT.