Imagine using a magic liquid that forms shapes whenever a magnet is turned on underneath it. Instead of using expensive, one-time-use plastic stencils to paint tiny circuits, this liquid creates a temporary pattern that can be erased and changed instantly. It allows factories to print electronic designs on glass or silicon without wasting materials or energy.
Current semiconductor patterning relies on optical projection lithography, which is too expensive and wasteful for large-scale green technologies. It uses disposable masks that consume excessive energy and materials for resolutions that don't need to be nanometric.
A system comprising smart magnetorheological electrolytes and a CMOS-based programmable current source that generates micro-structured magnetic fields to create reversible patterns.
If you are a solar panel manufacturer dealing with the high cost and waste of disposable masks in production — this project developed a reusable magnetic masking system that enables high-throughput patterning at a resolution of tens of micrometers. This reduces material waste and energy consumption compared to traditional optical lithography.
If you are a lab-on-a-chip developer dealing with rigid and expensive microfabrication processes — this project developed tuneable magnetic arrays and smart fluids that allow for flexible, area-selective additive patterning. This enables faster prototyping of biomedical diagnostic devices.
If you are a sensor manufacturer dealing with the bottleneck of raw materials and high energy costs of projection lithography — this project developed a method to direct material deposition using reversible magnetic templates. This allows for the creation of functional circuitry without the need for high-end optical equipment.
It replaces disposable masks, which have extremely high embodied energy and material costs, with a reusable system of electromagnets and smart fluids. Based on available project data, this targets a more sustainable and economical throughput for tens of micrometers resolution.
The project aims for high-throughput area-selective patterning at room temperature and pressure. Based on available project data, the goal is to rejuvenate EU photovoltaic manufacturing through innovation-driven competitiveness.
The project has already demonstrated a solution for generating micro-structured magnetic fields via electronic circuits. Based on available project data, specific details are withheld until the protection of results is implemented.
It replaces the optical projection lithography step with a magnetic array located below the substrate. This allows for the deposition of functional materials in sequence on a glass substrate to produce a solar cell prototype.
The project period runs from 2022-03-01 to 2026-02-28. Based on available project data, the proof of concept is scheduled towards the end of the project.
The consortium consists of 8 partners across 5 countries, showing a balanced mix of 3 universities, 3 research centers, and 2 industry partners. With an industry ratio of 25% and the inclusion of one SME, the project maintains a strong academic foundation while ensuring a direct link to commercial application, particularly in the EU photovoltaic sector.
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