Semiconductor Chemistry

The semiconductor industry is built on a combination of physics, mathematics, computer science, materials research, and, of course, chemistry.

… but the semiconductor industry is not just about chips and technology. We go to where it all begins – the chemicals from which everything is ultimately made. Chemistry accompanies the entire process from the very start: from the raw materials used to grow single crystals, through the chemicals used in semiconductor manufacturing technology (reaction liquids and gases, dopants, cleaning mixtures, and degreasing agents), to the chemicals from spent process streams, which are recovered, repurified, treated, and recycled back into production.

Chemistry, then, is not merely a supporting discipline but a key pillar without which the modern materials and semiconductor industry could not function. It is precisely the knowledge of chemical processes, the properties of substances, and their behavior in an extremely clean and precisely controlled environment that determines the quality, reliability, and sustainability of the resulting technologies. Studying chemistry and related fields therefore opens doors not only to the world of cutting-edge technology but also to applied research, innovation, and industrial practice. Students become acquainted with modern analytical methods, materials chemistry, process engineering, and the environmental aspects of production. The knowledge gained finds application not only in the semiconductor and chemical industries, but also in energy, pharmaceuticals, environmental protection, and the development of new functional materials.

It is no coincidence that these themes are so closely linked with the Ústí region. For decades, this region has been regarded as a region of “industrial chemistry” with an exceptionally long tradition. Chemical production, raw material processing, and technological development here have shaped not only industry but also professional education and research. Today, this tradition is evolving into a modern, innovative, and sustainably oriented chemistry that responds to the current needs of society and 21st-century industry.

UJEP stands right at the heart of this region and naturally builds on this tradition. Studying here thus offers a unique link between theory and practice, collaboration with industrial partners, and the opportunity to take part in projects with real-world impact. For students who want to understand what modern technologies are made of and how they come about – and who want to be part of their further development – chemistry at UJEP is a logical and promising choice.

Mission and Strategy

Research, Study, and Support Areas at the Department of Chemistry

  • Chemical processing of raw materials for the semiconductor industry
  • Pure raw materials for single-crystal growth and precursor synthesis
  • Recovery of raw materials and dopants from heaps and other waste
  • Research into the production of gaseous and liquid precursors and ultra-pure chemicals
  • Processing of alternative raw materials
  • Raw material purification and advanced synthesis
  • Replacement of current energy- and environmentally-intensive production methods
  • Research into super-stable catalysts for chemical synthesis processes
  • Treatment of waste streams from the semiconductor manufacturing process
  • Design of technologies and construction of prototype support equipment for the manufacture of semiconductor chemicals
  • Advanced analytics – analysis of raw materials and materials

Courses

Strengthening existing study programs and expanding the focus of current courses to cover semiconductor topics, materials, and the related field of synthesis, purification, and recycling of raw materials and chemicals:

  • inorganic chemistry
  • inorganic non-metallic materials
  • solid state physics
  • technical catalysis
  • instrumental analysis
  • process modeling
  • separation techniques

Contacts:

Ing. Martin Babor, Ph.D. (martin.babor@ujep.cz, office 3.04, CPTO building)