Polymer-Assisted Compressed Flux Growth: A Universal and High-Yield Method for Dimension-Controlled Single Crystals

Single crystals possess the most perfect and stable morphology and represent the intrinsic and upper limits of performance when integrated into various application scenarios. However, for a large portion of the newly emerging low-dimensional and molecular materials, the mass production of crystals with a desirable shape is still challenging. Here, a universal and high-yield method to grow functional single crystals with controlled dimensions is provided that can be directly integrated into a device. By utilizing a polymeric flux in combination with a compressed growth space, numerous materials can be grown into size-controllable single crystalline flakes, with millions produced in one batch. This scalable growth method shows promise for the large-scale integration of micro-single-crystals as functional components, as exemplified by the construction of a 5 in. field-effect transistor array.

Automated summary

Single crystals are the most perfect and stable form of material, representing the upper limit of performance when used in various applications. However, producing crystals with desired shape is still challenging for many emerging low-dimensional and molecular materials. This study presents a universal and high-yield method to grow single crystals with controlled dimensions, which can be directly integrated into devices. By using a polymeric flux and compressed growth space, size-controllable single crystalline flakes can be produced in large quantities. This scalable growth method shows promise for the large-scale integration of micro-single-crystals, as demonstrated by the construction of a 5 in. field-effect transistor array.