Researchers first to link silicon atoms on surfaces

Chemist Henning Klaasen, physicist Lacheng Liu and chemist Melanie C. Witteler ( from left ) were instrumental in the study. WWU - privat Materials such as gallium arsenide are extremely important for the production of electronic devices. As supplies of it are limited, or they can present health and environmental hazards, specialists are looking for alternative materials. So-called conjugated polymers are candidates. These organic macromolecules have semi-conductor properties, i.e. they can conduct electricity under certain conditions. One possible way of producing them in the desired two-dimensional - i.e. extremely flat - form is presented by surface chemistry, a field of research established in 2007. Since then, many reactions have been developed and interesting materials produced for possible applications.