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PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development

The next generation of microelectronics relies on radical improvements in transistor switching performance to advance computing power. However, conventional semiconductor technology has hit a physical limit known as the "Boltzmann tyranny," which restricts the energy efficiency of traditional transistors and stalls progress in high-performance electronics. To address this key bottleneck, a research team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has engineered a novel tunnelling field-effect transistor (TFET) utilising two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials. The breakthrough brings this long-awaited experimental technology closer to commercial reality, offering a fundamental building block for energy-efficient computing and next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) chips. The research was led by Prof. Jianhua HAO, Head of the Department of Physics and Materials, Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Devices, Director of Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (RCNN), and Associate Director of PolyU-Wuhan Technology and Innovation Research Institute at PolyU, in collaboration with researchers from the National University of Singapore, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Peking University, and the Singapore University of Technology and Design. The landmark findings have been published in the prestigious international scientific journal Science. Integrated circuits (ICs), composed of transistors switching between ON and OFF states, form the foundation of modern computing. Conventional complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) rely on thermionic emission of electrical charges over a barrier, driven by the gating voltage, the minimum of which is just 60 millivolts (mV). However, the notorious Boltzmann limit, or “Boltzmann tyranny”, makes subthreshold swing (SS, a measure of switching barrier) values below 60 mV decade⁻¹ at room temperature a physical impossibility for MOSFETs, putting the brakes on further progress in high-performance electronics. Prof. Jianhua Hao said, “The International Roadmap for Devices and Systems (IRDS) has identified TFETs as the most promising alternative to MOSFETs. By replacing thermionic emission with quantum tunnelling, our 2D heterostructure transistor breaks through this 60 mV decade⁻¹ boundary, overcoming the standard MOSFET limit. Our TFET paves the way for ultra-low-power, high-performance ICs essential for emerging AI chips and advanced semiconductor applications.” To solve the performance limitations of previous TFET designs, Prof. Hao’s team created ultra-thin heterostructure of 2D bismuth (Bi) and indium selenide (InSe) alternating layers using pulsed laser deposition (PLD). By exercising precise control over the layer structure at nanoscale, the normally semi-metallic bismuth transforms into a semiconductor in 2D form, creating ideal energy band alignment for charge carriers to tunnel efficiently into InSe through quantum tunnelling mechanism. The resulting Bi/InSe TFET achieved SS values well below the 60 mV decade⁻¹ thermionic limit across six orders of magnitude of current switching. Operating at room temperature on standard centimetre-scale silicon substrates, the device required a gate-voltage range of only 160 mV—far lower than the 800 mV required by advanced MOSFETs. Crucially, the device resolved a long-standing challenge in experimental TFETs by delivering a high output current of up to several microamps per micrometre (μA μm⁻¹) alongside an exceptionally high ON/OFF current ratio. High output current is essential for driving multiple downstream logic gates (fan-out), demonstrating diminished circuit-delay, and ensuring compatibility with and even generational upgrade for the existing IC chips. The study also demonstrates the practical viability of PLD for high-precision, wafer-scale manufacturing of 2D materials that appreciated for future transistors with ultra-short channel lengths. Given its seamless integration capability with traditional silicon-based manufacturing processes, this breakthrough provides a scalable roadmap for energy-efficient microchips and specialised hardware powering AI applications. Press Release: English | 中文 Online coverage: Wen Wei Po 理大研新型量子隧穿晶體管 突破物理極限 助低功耗AI芯片發展 31 August 2026 Hong Kong Economic Times 理大研發新型抗體抑制理大研製全新TFET 突破閘極電壓界限肝癌 (subscription required) 微電子技術｜理大研製全新TFET 突破閘極電壓界限 1 September 2026 Media OutReach PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Siamnews PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Dbpower.com.hk PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 ETNet PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Guandian 香港理工大学研制新型TFET 突破传统MOSFET波尔兹曼极限 31 August 2026 Quamnet PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Sina HK PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development; 香港理工大学研制新型TFET 突破传统MOSFET波尔兹曼极限 31 August 2026 Hkong.hk 理大研新型量子隧穿晶体管 突破物理极限 助低功耗AI芯片发展 31 August 2026 Bastillepost 理大研發量子隧穿場效應晶體管 突破集成電路晶片發展樽頸 PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Eastmoney 香港理工大学研制新型TFET 突破传统MOSFET波尔兹曼极限 31 August 2026 Yidianzixun 香港理工大学研制新型TFET 突破传统MOSFET波尔兹曼极限 31 August 2026 Ifeng 香港理工大学研制新型TFET 突破传统MOSFET波尔兹曼极限 31 August 2026 The Manila Times PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Newsbreak.com Quantum-tunneling field-effect transistor overcomes barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Semiconductor-digest PolyU Develops Quantum-Tunnelling Field-Effect Transistor 31 August 2026 Forever News PolyU develops quantum-tunnelling field-effect transistor to overcome barriers to integrated-circuit chip development 31 August 2026 Financialcontent - 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Symposium of Advanced Dielectric Materials cum Dielectric Committee Meeting of the Chinese Physical Society Concludes Successfully at PolyU

The Symposium of Advanced Dielectric Materials cum Dielectric Committee Meeting of the Chinese Physical Society was successfully held from 15 to 18, May 2026 at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). This event was jointly organized by the Faculty of Science (FS) and the Department of Applied Physics (AP) of PolyU, the Dielectric Committee of the Chinese Physical Society, and the Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (RCNN). This conference was also financially supported by the PolyU Belt and Road Network Initiative Scheme. The symposium brought together more than 100 renowned scholars from mainland China, Russia, Australia, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on cutting-edge research topics related to emerging trends and challenges in dielectric physics and materials science, with special focus on ferroelectrics, piezoelectrics, multiferroics, capacitor energy storage, electronic ceramics and devices, and dielectric materials. Prof. Wai-yeung Wong, Dean of the Faculty of Science at PolyU, and Prof. Xiaoyong Wei, Chair of the Dielectric Committee of the Chinese Physical Society, on behalf of the organizers, delivered the opening remarks. Prof. Wong welcomed global experts, highlighted the vital role of dielectric physics in electronics, energy storage, and smart sensing, and noted China’s rapid progress in the field driven by young scholars. He also introduced the two-day event featured academic presentations, committee meetings, and laboratory tours, all aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation. Prof. Xiaoyong Wei reviewed the development of dielectric physics and looked ahead to a thriving academic future in the discipline. Former AP Department Head, Prof. Helen Chan, returned to PolyU to attend this symposium. She extended a warm welcome to all participants, reminisced about the early days of dielectric physics, and shared her vision for its future. Prof. Jiyan Dai, Associate Dean of Students & Professor, presided over the opening ceremony. The symposium consisted of one main session and three parallel sub-sessions. Plenary speakers included Prof. Rengen Xiong from Southeast University, Prof. Sean Li from the University of New South Wales, Prof. Wai-yeung Wong from PolyU, and Prof. Shujun Zhang from City University of Hong Kong. Prof. Xiangming Chen and Prof. Jianhua Hao, Head of Department of Applied Physics, chaired the plenary session. The symposium served as a vital platform for exchanging ideas and sharing recent advancements, reinforcing the important role that dielectric physics and materials science play in the global scientific and electronic industry enterprise.

RCNN Delegation Concludes Productive Visit to UW WIN, Advancing Collaboration in Sustainable Nanotechnology

A delegation from the Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (RCNN) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) visited the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) at the University of Waterloo (UW) from 9 to 14 May 2026. The PolyU RCNN delegation included Prof. Jianhua Hao (Director of RCNN), Prof. Raymond Wai-yeung Wong, Prof. Lawrence Yoon Suk Lee, and Prof. Ming Yang. During the visit, a UW-PolyU Joint Workshop on Sustainable Nanotechnology was held. The workshop featured opening remarks by Prof. Kirsten Müller (Associate Vice-President, Research Grants and Infrastructure, UW), Prof. Todd Holyoak (Associate Dean of Faculty of Science, UW), Prof. Sushanta Mitra (Executive Director of WIN, co-Director of RCNN, UW), and Prof. Jianhua Hao, followed by presentations from Prof. Yimin Wu (member of UW RCNN), Prof. Ming Yang, Prof. Boxin Zhao (member of UW RCNN), Prof. Lawrence Lee, Prof. Juewen Liu (member of UW RCNN), and Prof. Dayan Ban (member of UW RCNN). Prof. Lili Liu (Dean, Faculty of Health, UW) and Prof. Shirley Tang (member of UW RCNN) also attended this workshop. In addition to the workshop, the RCNN delegation toured WIN’s state-of-the-art laboratories, including the facilities of Prof. Boxin Zhao and Prof. Yimin Wu. During these tours, it was discussed that Prof. Boxin Zhao will send a student to exchange in Prof. Lawrence Yoon Suk Lee’s group at PolyU, with Prof. Lee serving as co-supervisor. The delegation also attended the WIN Distinguished Lecture delivered by Prof. Arben Merkoçi. Finally, the two sides held discussions on future projects and next steps, including ongoing collaborative projects and student exchange programmes. This visit holds great significance for RCNN in strengthening its strategic partnership with UW WIN. By engaging directly with WIN researchers, touring world-class facilities, initiating a concrete student exchange, and exploring joint funding opportunities, RCNN has laid a solid foundation for long-term collaboration in sustainable nanotechnology. The outcomes position both centres as global leaders in advancing nanomaterials, energy systems, and bioinspired technologies.

Prof. Wong Wai-yeung, Raymond was elected as the Fellow of the Chinese Chemical Society (FCCS)

Congratulations to Prof. Wong Wai-yeung, Raymond, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Clarea Au Professor in Energy and Chair Professor of Chemical Technology, on being elected as the Fellow of the Chinese Chemical Society (FCCS)! The FCCS is established by Chinese Chemical Society in 2019 and elected no more than 50 fellows each year. It aims to inspire members to continue reaching new scientific and technological heights while promoting the development of China’s chemical industry. FCCS is the highest and most elite membership level of the CCS. This award is a testament to attaining systematic and creative achievements to chemistry and related fields and making outstanding contributions to the development and progress of the discipline of chemistry. Our warmest congratulations to Prof. Wong for this distinguished achievement! Source: Faculty of Science, PolyU More details are provided on Chinese Chemical Society Official Website: https://www.chinesechemsoc.org/do/10.5555/5c50eb62-4d8d-45f8-9fcf-515f6febe095/full/.

Prof. WONG Ka-hing Receives Lifetime Fellowship from the International Association of Advanced Materials

The Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (RCNN) is delighted to announce that our member, Prof. WONG Ka-hing, has been admitted as a Lifetime Fellow of the International Association of Advanced Materials (IAAM). This prestigious honour recognises Prof. WONG’s outstanding academic achievements and his pivotal contributions to nanoscience and nanotechnology. Through his involvement in RCNN, Prof. WONG has advanced interdisciplinary research and supported the centre’s mission to address societal challenges, enable cutting-edge applications, and promote knowledge transfer. Let us all extend our warmest congratulations to Prof. Wong on this well-deserved honour! Source: RiFood, PolyU

PolyU AP and RCNN Jointly Hosted Bilateral Workshop with Incheon National University

The Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (RCNN) and the Department of Applied Physics (AP) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) successfully jointly co-organized a bilateral academic workshop with Incheon National University of the Republic of Korea on 17 December 2025. The event served as a dynamic platform for in-depth exchange on cutting-edge research in low-dimensional materials, nanoscale physics, and advanced device applications. The workshop featured a series of insightful presentations from distinguished scholars and emerging research talents of both institutions, highlighting the synergy between fundamental exploration and applied innovation. Prof. HAO Jianhua, Head of AP, Chair Professor of Materials Physics and Devices and Director of RCNN at PolyU, delivered the opening remarks. He extended a warm welcome to the delegation from Incheon National University and emphasized the significance of the workshop for strengthening international academic ties and igniting collaborative research initiatives in frontier areas of nanoscience and applied physics. The scientific program commenced with a presentation by Prof. HAN Gang Hee, Associate Professor in the Department of Physics of Incheon National University. He introduced his group work on the "Templated Growth of Two-dimensional Tellurium on 1T'-MoTe2," demonstrating how substrate-mediated adhesion can control the morphology of anisotropic tellurium films, thereby paving the way for tailored two-dimensional semiconductor structures. Dr. MA Teng, Research Assistant Professor in AP of PolyU, followed with a talk titled "Layer-controlled Growth of 2D Ferroelectric Materials with Strong Nonlinear Hall Effect." He detailed a homoepitaxial chemical vapor deposition strategy for producing large-area bilayer MoTe2 single crystals exhibiting robust room-temperature ferroelectricity and record-high nonlinear Hall signals, underscoring their potential for next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. Prof. MOON Byoung Hee, Associate Professor in the Department of Physics of Incheon National University, then explored the enduring topic of the "Metal-insulator Transition in Two-dimensional van der Waals Layered Materials." His presentation reviewed the historical context and contemporary research trends, including phenomena within moiré superlattices, offering valuable perspectives on this fundamental challenge in condensed-matter physics. Shifting focus toward energy applications, Prof. ZHANG Biao, Associate Professor in AP of PolyU, presented on "Designing and Probing Electrode/Electrolyte Interfaces for Rechargeable Batteries." He outlined innovative interface engineering approaches to construct elastic solid electrolyte interphases, which enable stable cycling of high-density micro-sized electrode particles and address critical issues related to battery longevity and energy density. Prof. KIM Jung Ho, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Incheon National University, addressed a pivotal challenge in nanoelectronics with his talk, "Contact Engineering-assisted Band-to-band Tunneling in van der Waals Heterojunctions." By utilizing atomically clean van der Waals contacts to depin the Fermi level, his team achieved efficient carrier injection, resulting in the clear observation of band-to-band tunneling and negative differential resistance in vertical heterojunctions. Concluding the technical sessions, Prof. ZHAO Jiong, Professor in AP of PolyU, spoke on "Phase Transition and Ferroelectricity in Two-dimensional Chalcogenides." He elucidated how in-situ transmission electron microscopy techniques can be employed to unravel ferroic ordering and phase transitions in two-dimensional materials, establishing crucial correlations between atomic-scale structures and device-level performance to advance their application in novel in-memory computing and sensing devices. The bilateral workshop facilitated vibrant discussion and knowledge sharing, reinforcing the shared dedication of both PolyU and Incheon National University to advancing the frontiers of scientific discovery. This collaborative engagement is poised to catalyze future joint research endeavors, contributing significantly to the global progress in nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Prof. Wong Wai-yeung, Raymond was elected as the new member of The Hong Kong Academy of Sciences

Congratulations to Prof. Raymond Wong Wai-yeung, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Associate Director of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Research Institute for Smart Energy, Chair Professor of Chemical Technology, and Clarea Au Professor in Energy, for being elected as one of the five new members of The Hong Kong Academy of Sciences for his outstanding achievements in scientific research and significant contributions to social progress. Prof. Wong is a chemist engaging in research on the designing and synthesising of molecular functional materials and metallopolymers (1D and 2D) with photofunctional properties and energy applications. His team is committed to developing sustainable energy sources and enhancing energy conversion technologies to address upcoming global energy needs while promoting a cleaner, more resilient future. Our warmest congratulations to Prof. Wong for this distinguished achievements!   Online coverage: Bauhinia 港科院新增5院士 盧煜明盼鞏固港創科地位 12 December 2025 Wen Wei Po 港科院新增5院士 盧煜明盼鞏固港創科地位 11 December 2025 Bastille Post 港科院新增五位院士 涵蓋數學地理醫學化學及神經科學領域 11 December 2025 Source: Faculty of Science, PolyU

The World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists 2025 by Stanford University in RCNN

We are immensely proud to announce that five of our esteemed members have been recognized as among the Top 2% of Scientists Worldwide in their specialities in 2025 (Career-long and single recent year data), as compiled by Stanford University! This global recognition highlights the transformative power of their research and its significant impact across scientific disciplines. Using the Scopus author profiles as of 19 September 2025, Stanford University released the latest top 2% scientists in various scientific fields. The list was prepared by Prof. John Ioannidis and his team from Stanford University, the updated database (version 8) provides standardized information on citations, h-index, co-authorship-adjusted hm-index, citations to papers in different authorship positions, and a composite indicator.  The the latest database (version 8) could be download from https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/8.​ Name of Researcher Subject Field Prof. Hao Jianhua Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Wong Wai Yeung Organic Chemistry Prof. Lau Shu Ping Applied Physics Prof.Lee Yoon Suk Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Prof. Zhang Biao Nanoscience & Nanotechnology  

Prof. WONG Ka-hing Honoured with the 2024 Outstanding Intellectual Property Commercialisation Award

Launched in 2023, the PolyU Patents Achievement Award aims to honour the exceptional achievements of departments and inventors who actively contribute to intellectual property (IP), research commercialisation and knowledge transfer. The Research Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (RCNN) extends the warmest congratulations to Prof. WONG Ka-hing for receiving the Outstanding IP Commercialisation Award 2024. This distinction celebrates Prof. WONG's remarkable contributions  for high-value licensing cases over the past three years (2022-2024). This award recognises his exceptional contributions to translating cutting-edge research into tangible solutions with significant commercial and societal impact. His work exemplifies the core mission of RCNN and PolyU to bridge the gap between fundamental scientific discovery and real-world application.

Prof. Wong Ka-hing featured on TVB programme about turning food waste into 3D printing materials

Prof. Wong Ka-hing, Director of PolyU Research Institute for Future Food, Associate Director of PolyU-Jinjiang Technology and Innovation Research Institute & Professor at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, was featured on TVB’s programme “ESG Decoded”, introducing the novel technology that upcycles major commercial & industrial food waste like spent coffee grounds into sustainable composite materials for 3D printing. Online coverage: TVB 破局密碼ESG - 第 1 集 金融•科技新常態 (13:56-16:38) (subscription required) 21 September 2025 Source: Faculty of Science, PolyU