Fabrication of polymer nanocomposite-based fractional-order capacitor: a guide

Standardized fractional-order capacitor (FOC) fabrication for application in the integrated circuit industry has always been hampered due to limitations inherent to the device. These limitations are due to the structure of the device, the nature of the dielectric, the range of the obtainable fractional order α and constant phase (CP) zone, lifetime, etc. Over the years, fabrication of single-component polymer nanocomposite-based FOCs has gained popularity. A common approach is not followed in the designs proposed to date. This chapter provides information about the aspects involved in fabrication of single-component FOCs which use polymer nanocomposite as dielectric. This includes describing various properties of most suitable polymers in FOC fabrication. Materials having prospects of being used as conductive fillers are indicated in this work. An account of the processing techniques used for composite synthesis is also provided. The process parameters affecting the final composite properties are described to guide the manufacturer at every step of FOC fabrication. Besides, this chapter gives an account of various FOC designs which may range from parallel plate configuration to capacitors fabricated on thin films. FOC properties have been related to design of the device, composition of the dielectric, etc. In addition, the chapter includes details about analysis and modeling techniques. As such, this chapter is aimed to be a guideline for polymer nanocomposite FOC fabrication.