Various embodiments of microelectronic devices and methods of manufacturing are described herein. In one embodiment, a method for enhancing wafer bonding includes positioning a substrate assembly on a unipolar electrostatic chuck in direct contact with an electrode, electrically coupling a conductor to a second substrate positioned on top of the first substrate, and applying a voltage to the electrode, thereby creating a potential differential between the first substrate and the second substrate that generates an electrostatic force between the first and second substrates.