Optimizing Germanium-Selective Functionalization on Patterned SiGe Substrates with Thiol-Based Molecules: The Critical Role of Oxygen-Free Conditions

Germanium offers attractive optical properties despite being an indirect bandgap semiconductor, and new Ge-based devices are being optimized for sensing and photonics applications. In particular, considering the use of Ge as a sensor, improving its selectivity via organic grafting offers new alterna...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Alessia Arrigoni, Federico Turco, Benedetta Maria Squeo, Sonia Freddi, Monica Bollani, Tersilla Virgili, Andrea Chiappini, Laura Pasquardini, Mariacecilia Pasini
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Chemistry Proceedings
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4583/16/1/21
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Summary:Germanium offers attractive optical properties despite being an indirect bandgap semiconductor, and new Ge-based devices are being optimized for sensing and photonics applications. In particular, considering the use of Ge as a sensor, improving its selectivity via organic grafting offers new alternatives that are still under investigation. In this work, we focus on the selective functionalization of germanium in SiGe-patterned alloys using a custom thiol-based luminescent molecule, namely 6-[2,7-bis[5-(5-hexyl-2-thienyl)-2-thienyl]-9-(6-sulfanylhexyl)fluoren-9-yl]hexane-1-thiol. The process selectively targets regions with Ge, while leaving Si-rich areas uncovered. Moreover, this study emphasizes the importance of an oxygen-free environment, as performing the functionalization in an inert atmosphere significantly improves surface coverage.
ISSN:2673-4583