MP: RoxEl – Realization of Oxide Electronics

At a time when silicon-based electronics are struggling with inherent physical limitations in continued efficiency development, the electronics industry is on the hunt for materials that can replace silicon in future electronic devices. One of the most highly awaited solutions is technology based on complex oxides. These will allow for fundamentally different behavior as compared with current technology, and will lead to faster, smaller and more energy efficient devices. Researchers at the Department of Chemistry, UiO, have succeeded in developing a method for production of lanthanum nickelate and other similar materials at low temperatures. These materials have for long been considered as one of the pillars of oxide electronics, but have previously only been produced at temperatures too high for integration in consumer electronics. This novel technique lowers the temperature from >650 °C to 225 °C, opening up for continued development of oxide electronics. The project has conducted thorough market research and been in contact with many industry players in Norway and abroad to seek development partners and establish a business model for commercialization of the technology. Our technical results attract great attention and interest, but need a certain period of maturation before the industry is ready to embrace it. One key industry player in particular is showing great interest and we are currently looking into possibilities for a fruitful collaboration. The way forward to commercialize the technology requires risk reduction; the first step will involve a form of quantification of improved performance for an electronic component based on our materials compared to similar components with current materials. It will be crucial to connect with a potential customer to test the technology and obtain the necessary financing for the development process, be it public or private capital. Establishment of a company for the purpose of conducting research and development, licensing of the technology, and consulting activities to help implementation with the customer may be a good strategy.

- Proven successful, the technology may represent a game changer enabling new industry and work places - Contact with a central industry player is established and collaboration is under consideration - Market understanding is improved