Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the future of semiconductor technology, emphasizing the transition from traditional silicon-based materials to two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor materials as a key focus for innovation and development in the industry [2][12][53]. Group 1: Industry Trends and Predictions - IMEC predicts that by 2039, the second generation of 2D Field Effect Transistors (2DFET) will become mainstream, highlighting the growing importance of 2D materials in semiconductor technology [4][53]. - The global market for 2D semiconductor materials is expected to reach $1.8 billion in 2024, with graphene being the largest segment, accounting for 45% of the market share [16]. - The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24%-26.5% from 2025 to 2030, driven by demand in 5G communication, AIoT, and high-performance computing [16]. Group 2: Material Innovations - The transition to 2D semiconductor materials is seen as a solution to the challenges posed by traditional silicon-based devices, which face physical limitations such as quantum tunneling and short-channel effects [5][12]. - 2D materials, such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), offer unique electrical properties and the potential for higher integration densities, with vertical field-effect transistors (VFETs) achieving densities ten times that of FinFETs [6][14]. - Research has shown that 2D materials can be engineered to exhibit a wide range of electronic properties, making them suitable for various applications, including neuromorphic devices and quantum computing [9][12]. Group 3: Industrial Applications and Developments - Companies like TSMC, Intel, and Samsung are investing heavily in the research and integration of 2D semiconductor materials, pushing the industry from laboratory experiments to large-scale production [16]. - The first domestic engineering demonstration line for 2D semiconductors has been launched, aiming to develop commercial production lines within three years [17]. - Significant advancements have been made in the development of flexible integrated circuits based on 2D materials, with successful demonstrations of medium-scale circuits that integrate over 100 transistors [45][50]. Group 4: Challenges and Solutions - The integration of 2D materials into existing semiconductor processes presents challenges, including the need for compatible substrates and the management of high-temperature growth processes [54][57]. - Researchers are exploring various methods to overcome these challenges, such as using low-resistance source/drain contacts and alternative doping techniques to enhance the performance of 2D devices [58][59]. - The industry is also focusing on developing heterogeneously integrated chip technologies that leverage existing silicon ecosystems while incorporating 2D materials [59].

Core Viewpoint - The development of two-dimensional (2D) materials, particularly graphene, has gained significant attention due to their unique electrical properties and potential applications in various fields, including semiconductors, photonics, and quantum computing [1][2][9]. Industry Overview - Two-dimensional materials are defined as materials with atomic layer thickness in one dimension while maintaining larger dimensions in the other two. Graphene is the most well-known example, first isolated in 2004, showcasing exceptional electrical properties [1][2]. - The global market for 2D semiconductor materials is projected to reach $1.8 billion by 2024, with graphene accounting for 45% of this market due to its superior conductivity and mechanical strength [14]. Market Status - The semiconductor materials market is expected to generate $67.5 billion in revenue in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 3.8%. This growth is driven by the recovery of the semiconductor industry and the increasing demand for advanced materials in high-performance computing and high-bandwidth memory [5][7]. - Taiwan, mainland China, and South Korea are the top three markets for semiconductor materials, collectively accounting for 65% of the global market share. Taiwan leads with a market size of $20.09 billion, while mainland China is projected to reach $13.458 billion in 2024, growing by 5.3% [7]. Development Background - The evolution of semiconductor materials has transitioned from first-generation silicon and germanium to second-generation compound semiconductors and third-generation wide-bandgap semiconductors. 2D semiconductor materials have emerged as a key area of research since the discovery of graphene, addressing the limitations of traditional materials [9][20]. - The Chinese government has included 2D semiconductor materials in its list of frontier materials, providing substantial policy support to encourage development and commercialization [11][13]. Technological Advancements - Significant breakthroughs in 2D semiconductor technology have been achieved, including the successful batch production of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and the development of a 32-bit RISC-V architecture microprocessor based on 2D materials [16][18]. - The industry is witnessing advancements in channel engineering, contact engineering, gate stacking, and integration technology, which are crucial for the large-scale fabrication of 2D semiconductor devices [18][19]. Future Trends - The unique physical properties and broad application potential of 2D semiconductor materials position them as a critical technology direction in the post-Moore era. With ongoing support from policies and market demand, the industry is expected to overcome key technological bottlenecks and drive a new wave of industrial revolution in fields such as optoelectronics and flexible electronics [20].