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Research Articles

Regular Paper

The direct utilization of steelmaking by-product gases in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) offers a promising pathway to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the steel industry. In this study, a Sr-deficient and Ni-doped double perovskite oxide, Sr1.95Fe1.35Ni0.15Mo0.5O6-δ (SFNM), was investigated as an anode material for direct Linz-Donawitz converter gas (LDG)-fueled SOFCs. A single-phase double perovskite structure was successfully obtained after calcination at 1,200°C for 12 h, while exsolved metallic Ni nanoparticles were generated on the SFNM surface after reduction at 800°C. Electrochemical performance was evaluated using H2, simulated-LDG, and CO/CO2 (85:15) fuels at 800°C. The maximum power densities achieved were 1.23, 0.70, and 0.40 W cm-2 for H2, simulated-LDG, and CO/CO2 fuels, respectively. Although CO-containing fuels exhibited lower opencircuit voltages and power outputs than H2, the SFNM anode maintained stable operation and appreciable performance under direct simulated-LDG utilization. Impedance analysis revealed that the increased polarization resistance in simulated-LDG and CO/CO2 atmospheres was mainly associated with fuel adsorption/desorption and gas diffusion, while interfacial charge-transfer resistance remained relatively small. The superior performance obtained with simulated-LDG compared to the CO/CO2 mixture was attributed to the presence of a small amount of H2, which facilitated anode reaction kinetics. These results demonstrate that SFNM is a promising mixed ionic-electronic conductor anode for the direct electrochemical conversion of CO-rich steelmaking by-product gases into electricity.
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Solvent-Dependent Crystallization and Charge Transport Evolution in Thermally Annealed P3HT:PCBM Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Dong-Kyun Kim, Byungyou Hong, Hyung Jin Kim
J Electr Electron Mater 2026;39(4):400-406.   Published online July 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2026.39.4.10
Organic solar cells based on bulk heterojunction (BHJ) structures have attracted considerable attention because of their low fabrication cost, mechanical flexibility, and compatibility with solution-processing techniques. In BHJ organic photovoltaic devices, nanoscale morphology and crystallinity of the photoactive layer critically influence photovoltaic performance. In this study, the effects of solvent selection and thermal annealing on crystallization evolution and photovoltaic characteristics of P3HT:PCBM organic solar cells were systematically investigated. Three different solvents, including toluene, chlorobenzene (CB), and dichlorobenzene (DCB), were employed for active-layer fabrication, followed by post-thermal annealing treatment. UV–visible absorption spectroscopy revealed solvent-dependent differences in molecular ordering and intermolecular π–π interactions within the active layer. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that thermal annealing significantly enhanced crystallinity and lamellar ordering of P3HT domains, particularly for CB-processed films. Electrical characterization demonstrated that solvent evaporation behavior strongly affects photovoltaic performance. Among the investigated devices, the thermally annealed CB-processed device exhibited the highest power conversion efficiency of 1.83% with an enhanced short-circuit current density of 7.057 mA cm⁻². The improved device performance is attributed to optimized crystallization behavior and balanced nanoscale phase separation induced by the moderate evaporation characteristics of CB. In contrast, although DCB-assisted films exhibited relatively strong optical absorption and enhanced crystallinity, excessively slow solvent evaporation likely induced excessive aggregation and coarse phase separation, limiting efficient photovoltaic characteristics. These results demonstrate that solvent engineering combined with thermal annealing is an effective strategy for controlling morphology evolution and crystallization behavior in P3HT:PCBM bulk heterojunction solar cells.
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Early Stage Report : Graduate Research

Electrical Characteristics of Oxide Thin-Film Transistors for Stretchable Displays Using a Triple-Layer Gate Dielectric
Chae Yeon Kim, Sung-Hwan Choi
J Electr Electron Mater 2026;39(3):281-287.
Published online May 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2026.39.3.7
There is an increasing demand for freeform stretchable display technologies capable of overcoming spatial limitations in next-generation platforms such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). To realize such stretchable displays, all constituent materials—including semiconductors, electrodes, insulators, and substrates—must exhibit sufficient mechanical elasticity. To date, stretchable gate insulators have primarily relied on organic polymers such as poly(4-vinylphenol-co-methyl methacrylate) (PVP-co-PMMA). However, their practical application is significantly limited by poor electrical properties, including low dielectric constant and instability. In this work, we propose a novel gate insulator structure that minimizes the use of solution-based processes, which often suffer from poor uniformity and may damage underlying layers during fabrication. The proposed structure integrates the advantages of both organic and inorganic materials by employing a hybrid configuration. Specifically, high-k HfO2 thin films are deposited on both the top and bottom of an organic layer composed of PVP-co-PMMA, poly(melamine-co-formaldehyde) (PMF) as a crosslinking agent, and propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA) as a solvent. This inorganic–organic–inorganic structure effectively compensates for the inherent electrical limitations of organic materials. As a result, the fabricated thin-film transistors (TFTs) exhibit improved electrical performance and reliability compared to devices employing a single organic gate insulator.
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Regular Paper

Enhanced Photoluminescence of CsPbBr3 via Improved Optical Transparency of Thermally Treated GaN Nanowires
Kwang Jae Lee, Jungwook Min
J Electr Electron Mater 2026;39(3):272-280.
Published online May 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2026.39.3.6
GaN nanowire (NW)-based hybrid structures have attracted attention for optoelectronic applications due to their high surface area and efficient carrier transport. However, the optical transparency of GaN NWs is often limited by unintended residual species accumulated on the surface and in the inter-wire regions, as well as defect-related absorption, leading to reduced light transmission. In this work, we demonstrate that thermal annealing significantly improves the optical transparency of GaN NWs grown on indium tin oxide (ITO)/glass substrates. The transmittance increased from 47.9% to 78.5% at 550 nm after rapid thermal annealing at 800oC for 3 min, while a comparable value (~75.5%) was achieved at 600oC for 5 min. PbBr3 was deposited onto the GaN NWs to form hybrid structures, and temperature-dependent photoluminescence (TDPL) measurements revealed enhanced emission stability with suppressed peak shift and reduced spectral broadening. Arrhenius analysis based on a two-channel model revealed that the activation energy of the dominant non-radiative recombination pathway increased from 62 meV in the as-grown sample to 85 meV after thermal annealing, while its relative contribution remained nearly unchanged. In contrast, the shallow trap-assisted pathway exhibited a similar activation energy of approximately 6 meV in both samples, but its contribution decreased from 0.35 to 0.17 after annealing. As a result, the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) improved from 75.9% to 87.4%. These results show that thermal annealing improves optical transparency by removing residuals and suppresses defect-related recombination, leading to enhanced carrier dynamics and improved optical performance of PbBr3-based hybrid structures.
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Early Stage Report: Graduate Research

Growth of Beta-Phase Gallium Oxide Thin Films on Off-Axis Sapphire Substrates by Mist Chemical Vapor Deposition
Jae-Hyeok Lim, Tae-Yong Park, Yun-Ji Shin, Seong-Min Jeong, Chang-Mo Kang, Si-Young Bae
J Electr Electron Mater 2026;39(3):302-308.
Published online May 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2026.39.3.10
β-Ga2O3 is an ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor promising for high-power electronic applications; however, heteroepitaxial growth on sapphire is challenging lattice and symmetry mismatch. In this study, β-Ga2O3 thin films were grown on C-plane sapphire substrates with various off-axis angles (0–12°) using mist-CVD, and the influence of substrate miscut on structural and optical properties was investigated. All films grown at 900°C exhibited (-201) oriented β phase. The crystal quality was strongly dependent on the off-axis angle, with intermediate off-axis angles (Δa = 6–8°) showing the narrowest rocking curve width. Off-axis substrates promoted step-aligned growth behavior compared to on-axis growth. Optical measurements revealed enhanced transmittance and wider bandgap values (4.92–4.95 eV) for off-axis samples compared to the on-axis film (4.69 eV). The findings provide practical guidelines for optimizing heteroepitaxial β-Ga2O3 growth on low-cost sapphire substrates for high-performance device applications.
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Recent Advances in Artificial Synapses and Neurons Based on Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Hyunhak Jeong
J Electr Electron Mater 2026;39(2):147-162.
Published online March 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2026.39.2.4
Neuromorphic computing, which mimics the energy-efficient parallel processing capabilities of the human brain, has emerged as an alternative to traditional von Neumann architectures that struggle with high power consumption in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). Despite the potential of Si-based neuromorphic chips, they often face fundamental limitations in integration density and biological compatibility, necessitating the development of next-generation devices that can better emulate the ionic signaling of biological systems. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the recent research trends in artificial synapses and neurons based on organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), highlighting their unique ability to achieve high transconductance and mixed ionic-electronic conduction at ultra-low operating voltages. We discuss how OECTs successfully replicate diverse synaptic plasticities and complex neuronal spiking behaviors through advanced material engineering and structural optimizations such as vertical architectures. Furthermore, this review discusses the implementation of high-order neural functions, including associative learning and logic operations, which are facilitated by the inherent electrochemical dynamics of organic semiconductors. Finally, overcoming current challenges in reliability and scalability will establish OECTs as a pivotal platform for low-power neuromorphic hardware and bio-integrated electronics.
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A Study on the Explosion Characteristics of Off-Gases from Lithium-Ion Battery Thermal Runaway for EVs Marine Transport Safety
Jeong-hoon Park, In-chul Park
J Electr Electron Mater 2026;39(1):52-58.   Published online January 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2026.39.1.6
As electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly adopted worldwide, large numbers are now transported by sea on dedicated car carriers. With this trend, concerns are increasing about fires and explosions caused by battery thermal runaway during marine transport, while existing SOC limits before loading remain largely empirical. This study experimentally investigates gas generation and explosion characteristics of EV lithium-ion cells under thermal runaway conditions representative of enclosed vehicle decks. We identify and quantify the main off-gas components and clarify the flammability behavior and explosion limits of key combustible species. The results provide basic data for assessing EV battery accidents at sea and support the development of safer ventilation and gas-management strategies for ships.
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3D-Printed Liquid Metal Electrodes for Deformable Electronic Circuit
Jong Jun Jung, Sang Yoon Park, Se Jin Choi, Yu Jin Ko, Haneol Lee
J Electr Electron Mater 2026;39(1):103-109.   Published online January 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2026.39.1.13
Flexible and wearable electronics, which require stable operation under mechanical deformation, are increasingly utilizing Eutectic Gallium-Indium (EGaIn) for their conductive components. This study presents a systematic approach to fabricating highly reliable, deformable electrodes via a direct-ink-writing (DIW) 3D printing process using EGaIn as the functional ink. We conducted a thorough optimization of key printing parameters, specifically the extrusion pressure and printing speed, to achieve stable and uniform conductive lines. Through this optimization, we successfully established an optimal process window, achieving a stable line width of approximately 130 μm at an extrusion pressure of 300 kPa and a printing speed of 16 mm/s. The fabricated flexible electrodes exhibited exceptional electromechanical stability, maintaining negligible resistance change (< 0.82%) both under severe bending (3 mm radius) and after 100 repetitive bending cycles. This work demonstrates that the 3D printing of EGaIn is a viable and effective method for creating robust, high-performance electrodes for the next generation of deformable and wearable electronic devices.
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Balanced Charge Distribution by the Interface Controls of P3HT: PC70BM/Overlay Active-layers in Organic Photovoltaics
Gyumin Kyung, Hoseung Kang, Soonho Hong, Sunyoung Sohn
J Electr Electron Mater 2026;39(1):94-102.   Published online January 1, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2026.39.1.12
Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) are attractive candidates for sustainable energy conversion due to their flexibility, lowcost processing, and compatibility with large-area fabrication. However, their efficiency is hindered by interfacial defects and vertical phase separation in the active layer, which induce charge imbalance and recombination losses. This work presents an interfacial engineering approach to overcome these limitations in P3HT:PC70BM-based OPVs. Two key strategies were employed: (i) reducing the post-deposition annealing time of the active layer to suppress PC70BM accumulation at the bottom electrode, and (ii) using a DCB:DCM mixed solvent system to regulate solvent evaporation, thereby promoting uniform film formation during PC70BM overlay deposition. Devices fabricated with these optimizations exhibited notable enhancements, achieving short-circuit current density up to 15.83 mA/cm2 and a 58.1% increase in power conversion efficiency compared to control devices. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed reduced surface aggregation of PC70BM, while X-ray diffraction indicated improved P3HT crystallinity and molecular ordering. These results highlight the critical role of interfacial and morphological control in enhancing charge separation and transport, offering a practical route toward efficient, reproducible, and stable OPVs.
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Improvement of Electrical Characteristics of AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) Through GaON Interfacial Layer by O₂-Plasma
Seokhyun Han, Jihun Lee, Changgeon Lim, Namhun Kim, Jaesung Lee, Sungwook Kang, Yujin Jeong, Younghun Han, Juneo Song, Yoon Seok Kim
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(6):659-665.   Published online November 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2025.38.6.8
AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) are emerging as next-generation semiconductors optimized for high-power and high-frequency applications, with their performance highly dependent on the surface and interface quality of the AlGaN/GaN structure. In particular, the 2-Dimensional Electron Gas (2DEG) formed in the AlGaN layer is susceptible to trapping by surface defects, which degrades electrical characteristics and makes the device vulnerable to degradation. In this study, we propose an approach to enhance device reliability and performance by forming a gallium oxynitride (GaON) interfacial layer through O₂ plasma treatment on the AlGaN surface. This method effectively suppresses interface defects, resulting in improved electrical properties such as reduced interface trap density (Dit), threshold voltage (Vth) shift, increased drain current density (Id), and enhanced transconductance density (gm). Furthermore, this surface treatment demonstrates the potential for process simplification by improving the electrical characteristics of power semiconductor devices without the need for complex deposition steps.
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A Study on the Growth of κ-phase Gallium Oxide Thin Films on AlN/Sapphire Templates Using Mist Chemical Vapor Deposition
Jae-hyeok Lim, Seong-ho Cho, Yun-ji Shin, Seong-min Jeong, Tae-hun Gu, Aran Shin, Chang-mo Kang, Si-young Bae
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(6):684-689.   Published online November 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2025.38.6.12
κ-phase Ga₂O₃ is a wide-bandgap semiconductor that has attracted attention for power and optoelectronic device applications. However, its crystal quality and optical properties are highly dependent on the growth temperature, which motivates the need for a systematic study. In this work, κ-Ga₂O₃ thin films were grown on AlN/sapphire templates using mist-CVD at different temperatures. At lower temperatures (400℃), films exhibited incomplete crystallization and partial opacity, whereas higher growth temperatures (500-700℃) produced transparent films with improved properties. The bandgap was found to increase with temperature, consistent with reported values for 600-700℃, and XRD/XRC analysis confirmed that crystal quality improved with higher growth temperature. AFM analysis further revealed reductions in surface roughness and grain size variation at elevated temperatures. These findings indicate that an optimal growth window of 600-700℃ enables high-quality κ-Ga₂O₃ films, with potential implications for integrating this material on other hexagonal substrates such as SiC and GaN.
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Electrical Characterization of Ga₂O₃/4H-SiC Schottky Diodes Using Aerosol Deposition Method
Ji-hyun Kim, Ye-jin Kim, Seung-hyun Park, Chang-jun Park, Jong-min Oh, Weon Ho Shin, Chulhwan Park, Sang-mo Koo
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(5):499-505.   Published online September 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JEEM.2025.38.5.4
Ga₂O₃ is an ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor material that offers superior electrical properties for high-voltage power electronics but suffers from poor thermal conductivity compared to conventional semiconductors. To overcome this thermal limitation, we developed Ga₂O₃/4H-SiC heterojunction Schottky barrier diodes that utilize the high thermal conductivity of SiC substrates. Using the aerosol deposition method, we successfully fabricated devices with different Ga₂O₃ film thicknesses (0.8-1.4 μm) and achieved exceptional electrical performance with the 0.8 μm device showing a specific on-resistance of 41 mΩ·cm² and a leakage current as low as 1.26 × 10-10 A/cm² while maintaining stable operation up to 200℃. The devices demonstrated breakdown voltages reaching 2,365 V and maintained excellent rectification ratios above 1010 even at elevated temperatures. All fabricated devices with different film thicknesses showed consistent high-temperature stability, confirming the effectiveness of the heterojunction approach. These results provide a viable pathway for developing thermally stable, high-performance power devices essential for next-generation electric vehicle and renewable energy applications
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Cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy provides valuable insights into the optical and electronic properties of materials by analyzing photon emission induced by electron beam excitation. In this study, we present a novel CL detection system integrated into a transmission electron microscope (TEM) specimen stage, enabling high-resolution optical analysis of internal microstructures. The system features a parabolic mirror, a focusing lens, and a UV-VIS range optical fiber to maximize light collection and transmission efficiency, with performance further enhanced by a liquid nitrogen cooling setup. Using this system, we successfully performed CL mapping of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) and GaN thin films. The results revealed that threading dislocations act as non-radiative centers in GaN and locally increase the bandgap energy in InGaN MQWs, causing a blue-shift in CL emission. These findings support a model in which dislocations induce carrier delocalization, preserving high radiative efficiency despite high dislocation densities. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of the TEM-integrated CL system for nanoscale optical characterization, offering a new pathway for studying defect-related phenomena in semiconductor materials.
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Analytical Drain-Induced-Barrier-Lowering Model of Elliptic Gate-All-Around FET with Ferroelectric
Hakkee Jung
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(4):396-403.   Published online July 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2025.38.4.7
Drain Induced Barrier Lowering (DIBL) was analyzed when the channel of Gate-All-Around (GAA) FET, which is the most promising in the miniaturizing transistor structure, has an elliptic cross-section. The oxide film structure used a stacked Metal-Ferroelectric-Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor (MFMIS) structure using SiO2 and ferroelectric. An analytical DIBL model was presented to analyze the DIBL in elliptic GAA FET with ferroelectric. Its validity was proven by comparing the results of other papers. As a result, the Drain Induced Barrier Rising (DIBR) effect, that is, the negative DIBL effect, appeared depending on the ferroelectric thickness tfe, and the ratio of the remanent polarization Pr and coercive field Ec in the ferroelectric, Pr/Ec. The DIBL varied linearly with tfeEc/Pr, and the slope depended on the rate of change for the drain voltage of the ferroelectric charge Q, dQ/dVds. The tfeEc/Pr value satisfying DIBL=0 mV/V decreased as eccentricity increased. The ferroelectric thickness tfe will have to be decreased because the subthreshold swing increases if the Pr/Ec is increased to reduce the tfeEc/Pr value. The threshold voltage increased at this time, but the effect was minimal.
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Fabrication and Characterization of Piezoelectric Porous Sponge Using Sugar Cubes
Yebin Lee, Hyunseung Kim, Tauk Eom, Chang Kyu Jeong
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(4):366-375.   Published online July 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2025.38.4.3
Porous polymeric structures with piezoelectric properties have attracted considerable attention in the fields of biomaterials and tissue engineering due to their ability to convert mechanical stimuli into electrical signals. However, conventional fabrication methods for porous structures often face limitations in controlling pore architecture, maintaining structural uniformity, and achieving process reproducibility, in addition to requiring complex processing conditions. To address these issues, we propose a facile and reproducible fabrication method for porous poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) piezoelectric sponges using molded sugar cubes as sacrificial pore templates. By adjusting the particle size of the sugar templates, the pore size and distribution of the sponges could be effectively controlled, and a uniform open-pore network was achieved. The fabricated sponges were evaluated with a focus on pore morphology, mechanical behavior, and piezoelectric performance depending on the sugar particle size, and these evaluations confirmed the structural properties and functional efficacy. This study presents a simple and reproducible fabrication strategy along with a quantitative analysis method for porous structures, which is expected to enhance process accessibility and practical applicability in the development of piezoelectric polymer-based biomaterial platforms.
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Study on Hetero Gate Dielectrics to Reduce Ambipolar Current in Nanosheet Tunneling FETs
A-young Kim, Da-eun Bang, Hyo-jun Park, Tae-hyun Kil, Ju-won Yeon, Moon-kwon Lee, Eui-cheol Yun, Min-woo Kim, Su-jin Jeon, Moon-seok Kim, Jun-young Park
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(3):296-301.   Published online May 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2025.38.3.9
Aggressive device scaling has severely degraded the switching characteristics of CMOS transistors. This issue has led to the development of tunneling FETs (TFETs) as an alternative. TFETs, with their asymmetric doping of the source and drain regions, offer improved subthreshold swing (SS) compared to conventional MOSFETs. However, despite this advantage, TFETs still suffer from ambipolar current, which increases off-state current (IOFF). This paper introduces an approach to applying hetero gate dielectrics (HGDs) in nanosheet (NS) TFETs to reduce ambipolar current characteristics. The magnitude of the drain electric field is reduced by selectively forming a high-k dielectric near the source region This configuration allows the TFETs to avoid unintended band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) and suppress ambipolar current during the off-state.
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Factors Limiting Power Conversion Efficiency in GaInN/GaN-Based μ-LEDs Investigated by Chip-Size and Temperature-Dependent Measurements
Hana Lim, Jiye Choi, Minji Ryu, Yejin Kim, Ilji Hwang, Dong-pyo Han
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(3):282-289.   Published online May 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2025.38.3.7
This study aimed to elucidate factors limiting power conversion efficiency (PCE) in GaN-based micro-light-emitting diodes (μ-LEDs). To this end, we investigated the effects of operating temperature and chip-size of μ-LEDs on their efficiency. For the investigation, 460 nm-emitting μ-LEDs with various chip-sizes were fabricated; then their characteristics were carefully measured from 100 to 400 K. As the chip-size decreases and the operating temperature increases, their PCE and external quantum efficiency (EQE) decrease, while voltage efficiency (VE) increases. This indicates that the EQE plays a more important role than the VE in determining the PCE of μ-LEDs. Particularly, for a chip-size of 20 × 20 μm2, the EQE was very lower and the ideality factor was unexpectedly higher compared to the others for all operating temperatures, which is believed to be due to the critical plasma damage at the sidewall during dry-etching process for the chip-size < 20 × 20 μm2.
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Neuromorphic Characteristics of Sol-Gel AlOx-Based Floating Gate Memory Transistors with Phosphonic Acid Self-Assembled Monolayers
Hee-won Hwang, Sneha Bhise, Young-seok Song, Tae-wook Kim
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(3):336-345.   Published online May 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2025.38.3.15
Neuromorphic computing, inspired by the biological mechanisms of neural signal transmission, has emerged as a promising technology for efficient and parallel data processing with minimal power consumption. In this study, we developed floating-gate organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) with self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-based tunneling layers to mimic the characteristics of artificial synapses. The tunneling layers were formed using mixed phosphonic acid SAMs with varying ratios of octadecylphosphonic acid (ODPA) and 12-pentafluorophenoxydodecylphosphonic acid (PFPA). The influence of these ratios on the memory and neuromorphic characteristics of the devices was systematically evaluated. Our results revealed that the ODPA ratio significantly impacts the hysteresis window, with higher ODPA content yielding improved memory characteristics. Conversely, the PFPA : ODPA ratio of 2:1 exhibited the lowest non-linearity (NL = 0.48), demonstrating the potential for highly accurate weight updates in neuromorphic devices. Additionally, pulse width modulation studies showed that a pulse width of 100 ms optimized the linearity and stability of long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD) characteristics. The combination of sol-gel processed AlOx as a floating-gate layer and tailored SAM-based tunneling layers allowed for precise control of device performance. These findings highlight the importance of molecular engineering in designing SAM layers to balance memory retention and neuromorphic functionality. This study provides a pathway for advancing organic floating-gate transistors as a core component in next-generation neuromorphic computing systems.
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Study on Multiple Post-Metallization Annealing for Enhancing the Performance and Reliability of Silicon MOSFETs
Sang-min Kang, Yu-jin Choi, Hyo-jun Park, Tae-hyun Kil, Ju-won Yeon, Moon-kwon Lee, Eui-cheol Yun, Min-woo Kim, Su-jin Jeon, Moon-seok Kim, Jun-young Park
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(2):187-192.   Published online March 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2025.38.2.9
Post-metallization annealing (PMA) has been employed in silicon-based CMOS fabrication to enhance MOSFET reliability and performance. However, although deuterium annealing can reduce interface traps between the Si and SiO₂ gate dielectric, it remains insufficient to fully passivate these traps. In this context, a multiple PMA process, including additional hydrogen annealing, is proposed to further reduce dangling bonds. Silicon-based MOSFETs are fabricated to verify the proposed annealing process architecture. Electrical characterization of the threshold voltage (VTH), subthreshold swing (SS), on-state current (ION), and carrier mobility (μn) is conducted to investigate the impact of the multiple PMA. This study provides a guideline for PMA in MOSFET fabrication, with improvements in both performance and reliability.
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Subthreshold Swing Model of Elliptic Junctionless Gate-All-Around FET Using Ferroelectric
Hakkee Jung
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(2):179-186.   Published online March 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2025.38.2.8
This paper presented an analytical SS model to determine the subthreshold swing (SS) of an elliptic junctionless Gate- All-Around (GAA) FET using ferroelectric. Analyzing a GAA FET with an elliptic cross-section was essential because it is difficult to manufacture a perfectly circular GAA FET. The results of the proposed SS model agreed well with 2D numerical simulation. Using this analytical SS model, SS was analyzed for the eccentricity and the ratio (Pr/Ec) of permanent polarization Pr and coercive electric field Ec in an elliptic junctionless GAA FET with an MFMIS (Metal-Ferroelectric-Metal-Isulator- Semiconductor) structure using ferroelectric. As a result, the changing rate of the average surface potential due to the gate voltage increased and SS decreased as the eccentricity increased. It was found that the inner gate voltage amplified more than the outer gate voltage due to the ferroelectricity, better controlling the carriers in the channel, thereby reducing SS. As the Pr/Ec decreased, the changing rate of the ferroelectric charge for the outer gate voltage increased and SS decreased. As the eccentricity increased, the changing rate of SS for Pr/Ec decreased. There was no significant change in SS until the eccentricity was about 0.5. The SS began to decline above 0.5 due to the changes in ferroelectric charge, inner gate voltage, and average surface potential for the outer gate voltage.
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The printed and bifacial organic photovoltaics (OPVs) using a semi-transparent electrode structure to enhance light management were investigated. To optimize energy-band alignment for bifacial device structure, a cathode interlayer of ZnO nanoparticles with a low work function of 3.9 eV combined with a polyethyleneimine (PEI) layer was employed. Photon distribution simulations revealed the influence of structural parameters on device conductivity, light absorption, and surface morphology. The dispensing strength, adjusted via applied voltage during printing, significantly impacted device performance. At 13 V and 17 V, J-V characteristics were consistent; however, at 20 V, line width increased by approximately 100%, resulting in a 50% reduction in PCE. These findings highlight the critical relationship between spraying strength, line width, and efficiency, offering valuable insights for advancing printed OPV technologies.
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AI Algorithm for Stabilizing Output of Multi-Environment Double-Sided Solar Panels
Jongman Kim, Byonghak Moon, Changyong Jung, Sungjin Park
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(2):213-218.   Published online March 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2025.38.2.13
We propose a real-time information propagation arithmetic neural network (PANN) that minimizes the loss of power generation output of the system in the event of sudden changes in the module due to strong external typhoons or earthquakes at the solar power generation facility site. In addition, we propose a new double-sided module reflector that can reduce the local loss of power generation efficiency of the single-sided module reflector that is currently widely distributed, as well as the environmental pollution and inconvenience of maintenance work of the existing double-sided module. We present a computational network that can detect the faulty solar panel in real-time by checking the fault status of the installed solar panel and using a real-time computation method through a node-to-node diffusion method. In particular, this method recognizes the power loss part due to sudden changes in the module in real time and can take emergency measures for various nonlinear field facilities through a neural structure that finds the optimal distance up, down, left, and right. To confirm the characteristics of the loss reduction control of the field facility, we confirmed that the system was configured as a 7-degree-of-freedom control model using the PANN neural network learning structure method and improved the power generation output. PANN (Propagation Arithmetic Neural Networks) and various module systems are proposed for the real-time recovery of faulty solar panels and improving module system efficiency.
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Analysis of the Electrical Characteristics of the β-Ga₂O₃ JFET by Using Nitrogen Doping
Hyoung Woo Kim, Jung Hun Kim, Jae Hwa Seo
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(2):207-212.   Published online March 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2025.38.2.12
In this study, we proposed β-Ga₂O₃ JFET using nitrogen doping and analyzed the electrical characteristics. In β-Ga₂O₃, nitrogen ions act as a deep acceptor and are used to implement the current blocking layer. By using this characteristic of the nitrogen ion, in the proposed JFET, nitrogen ions are used to obtain gate control and pinch off the channel of the JFET. The numerical TCAD simulation was performed to design and analyze the proposed JFET. The simulated forward and reverse characteristics of the proposed JFET were obtained as a function of JFET width and nitrogen doping concentration. The maximum breakdown voltage of 1.7 kV was obtained with the on-resistance of 16.7 mΩ·cm2 when the channel width was 1.5 μm and nitrogen doping concentration is 1×1018/cm3, respectively.
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Fabrication and Characterization of Sn-Doped β-Ga2O3 Thin Films
Jihyeong Kim, Kyunghwan Kim, Jeongsoo Hong
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(1):72-77.   Published online January 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2025.38.1.9
In this study, the effect of thickness on the Sn-doped β-Ga2O3 thin films was investigated. β-Ga2O3 is a next-generation material for power semiconductors and optoelectronics owing to its remarkable properties, such as an ultra-wide bandgap, excellent thermal and chemical stability, and large breakdown voltage. However, its inherently low conductivity can be limiting in applications that require high conductivity; therefore, improving the conductivity of β-Ga2O3 is important. In this study, Sn-doped β-Ga2O3 thin films with various thicknesses were deposited on β-Ga2O3 substrates. All the fabricated samples exhibited β-phase with a uniform and dense surface and transmittance of above 80% in the visible region. In particular, the 100 nm samples showed the highest carrier concentration and mobility and the lowest resistivity. Thus, these findings are expected to play an important role in improving the performance of devices by controlling the thickness of thin films.
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IoT Using Assemble Double Pipe System
Ji-min Lee, Chang-hyoung Lee, Min-cheol Oh, Sangjin Cho, Young Cho
J Electr Electron Mater 2025;38(1):84-88.   Published online January 1, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2025.38.1.11
Hazardous gas leakage incidents rank among the most serious safety accidents, leading to significant loss of life, extensive property damage, and severe environmental pollution. This paper describes an innovative IoT-based Assembly Double Pipe System (IADPS) designed for the prevention, early detection, and automated isolation of toxic gas leaks. The proposed system features a double-layered pipe design, with nitrogen charged between the inner and outer pipes, and gas detectors installed at strategic locations. This configuration is intended to prevent pipe corrosion, suppress ignition caused by escaping gas, and facilitate the early detection of gas leaks, thereby mitigating the risk of safety accidents. Furthermore, the system includes a comprehensive real-time monitoring system for pipe integrity and gas leakage, as well as an automated gas leakage detection and isolation system to quickly respond to any incidents.
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Thermal Management Impact of Heat Conductive Layers on Ga₂O₃ Schottky Barrier Diodes
Ye-jin Kim, Geon-hee Lee, Min-yeong Kim, Se-rim Park, Seung-hwan Chung, Sang-mo Koo
J Electr Electron Mater 2024;37(6):657-661.   Published online November 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2024.37.6.12
Gallium oxide (Ga₂O₃) is emerging as a next-generation power semiconductor material due to its excellent electrical properties, including an ultra-wide bandgap of approximately 4.8 eV and a breakdown electric field of about 7 MV/cm. However, its low thermal conductivity of around 0.13 W/cmK presents significant challenges to the performance and reliability of Ga₂O₃- based devices. In this study, we employed the Silvaco TCAD simulator to analyze the thermal and electrical characteristics of Ga₂O₃ Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) with heat sinks of varying thermal conductivities. The results demonstrate that heat sinks with higher thermal conductivity effectively mitigate the temperature rise in the device, leading to an increase in current density. The limitation in heat dissipation due to parasitic on-state resistance not only affects device performance but also impacts longterm reliability. Therefore, this study contributes to the development of effective thermal management strategies for Ga₂O₃-based power semiconductors.
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Study on the Flicker Characteristics for Human Centric Lighting (HCL) Application of the LED Lighting used in Indoor Spaces
Won-kuk Son, Chung-hyeok Kim
J Electr Electron Mater 2024;37(6):644-648.   Published online November 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2024.37.6.10
Human-centric lighting (HCL) aims to enhance well-being and performance by tailoring lighting to human needs. However, LED flicker-rapid brightness changes-remains a critical issue, causing discomfort and reduced productivity. This paper addresses flicker problems in living and industrial spaces with LED lighting. We propose solutions to mitigate flicker by examining causes like power supply variations and LED driver design. Techniques such as high-quality LED drivers, advanced dimming methods, and digital control systems are explored. Our findings show these techniques can significantly reduce flicker, achieving less than 1% flicker performance while meeting HCL’s diverse requirements. Implementing flicker-free lighting in residential spaces enhances comfort and reduces eye strain, while in industrial settings, it improves productivity and safety. This paper emphasizes the importance of control circuits that maintain sub-1% flicker performance while integrating various HCL solutions, enhancing indoor lighting quality, and promoting better health and performance.
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Understanding the Structure-Property Relationship in Functional Materials Using 3D Atom Probe Tomography
Chanwon Jung
J Electr Electron Mater 2024;37(5):476-485.   Published online September 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2024.37.5.2
Understanding the structure-property relationship in functional materials is crucial as microstructural features such as nano-precipitates, phase boundary, grain boundary segregation, and grain boundary phases play a key role in their functional properties. Atom probe tomography (APT) is an advanced analytical technique that allows for the three-dimensional (3D) mapping of atomic distributions and the precise determination of local chemical compositions in materials. Moreover, it offers sub-nanometer spatial resolution and chemical sensitivity at the tens of parts per million (ppm) level. Owing to its unique capabilities, this technique has been employed to uncover the 3D elemental distributions in a wide range of materials, including alloys, semiconductors, nanomaterials, and even biomaterials. In this paper, various kinds of examples are introduced for elucidating structure-property relationships on functional materials by utilizing the atom probe tomography.
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Solution-Processed Indium-Gallium Oxide Thin-Film Transistors for Power Electronic Applications
Se-hyun Kim, Jeong Min Lee, Daniel Kofi Azati, Min-kyu Kim, Yujin Jung, Kang-jun Baeg
J Electr Electron Mater 2024;37(4):400-406.   Published online July 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2024.37.4.6
Next-generation wide-bandgap semiconductors such as SiC, GaN, and Ga2O3 are being considered as potential replacements for current silicon-based power devices due to their high mobility, larger size, and production of high-quality wafers at a moderate cost. In this study, we investigate the gradual modulation of chemical composition in multi-stacked metal oxide semiconductor thin films to enhance the performance and bias stability of thin-film transistors (TFTs). It demonstrates that adjusting the Ga ratio in the indium gallium oxide (IGO) semiconductor allows for precise control over the threshold voltage and enhances device stability. Moreover, employing multiple deposition techniques addresses the inherent limitations of solution-processed amorphous oxide semiconductor TFTs by mitigating porosity induced by solvent evaporation. It is anticipated that solution-processed indium gallium oxide (IGO) semiconductors, with a Ga ratio exceeding 50%, can be utilized in the production of oxide semiconductors with wide band gaps. These materials hold promise for power electronic applications necessitating high voltage and current capabilities.
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Improving the Charge Extraction of Organic Photovoltaics by Controlling the PCBM Overlayer/Active-Layer Interface
Soonho Hong, Haechang Jeong, Hoseung Kang, Sunyoung Sohn
J Electr Electron Mater 2024;37(4):451-456.   Published online July 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4313/JKEM.2024.37.4.14
Organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices have attracted attention due to their high efficiency and simple manufacturing process. Applying an overlayer to OPV devices is one way to improve their performance because it can improve charge extraction and suppress vertical phase separation. In addition, dichloromethane (DCM) was used as an orthogonal solvent to minimize the effect on other layers. However, an coating problems due to the use of DCM were found, which affects surface morphology as rough or peeling. Additional research efforts are needed to solve these problems, and optimal results are expected to be obtained by utilizing various buffer layers or selective organic solvents.
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