Deposition Mechanism and Characterization of Plasma-Enhanced Atomic Layer-Deposited SnO<i><sub>x</sub></i> Films at Different Substrate Temperatures

oleh: Pao-Hsun Huang, Zhi-Xuan Zhang, Chia-Hsun Hsu, Wan-Yu Wu, Sin-Liang Ou, Chien-Jung Huang, Dong-Sing Wuu, Shui-Yang Lien, Wen-Zhang Zhu

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2022-08-01

Deskripsi

The promising functional tin oxide (SnO<i><sub>x</sub></i>) has attracted tremendous attention due to its transparent and conductive properties. The stoichiometric composition of SnO<i><sub>x</sub></i> can be described as common n-type SnO<sub>2</sub> and p-type Sn<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>. In this study, the functional SnO<i><sub>x</sub></i> films were prepared successfully by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) at different substrate temperatures from 100 to 400 °C. The experimental results involving optical, structural, chemical, and electrical properties and morphologies are discussed. The SnO<sub>2</sub> and oxygen-deficient Sn<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> phases coexisting in PEALD SnO<i><sub>x</sub></i> films were found. The PEALD SnO<i><sub>x</sub></i> films are composed of intrinsic oxygen vacancies with O-Sn<sup>4+</sup> bonds and then transformed into a crystalline SnO<sub>2</sub> phase with increased substrate temperature, revealing a direct 3.5–4.0 eV band gap and 1.9–2.1 refractive index. Lower (<150 °C) and higher (>300 °C) substrate temperatures can cause precursor condensation and desorption, respectively, resulting in reduced film qualities. The proper composition ratio of O to Sn in PEALD SnO<i><sub>x</sub></i> films near an estimated 1.74 suggests the highest mobility of 12.89 cm<sup>2</sup> V<sup>−1</sup> s<sup>−1</sup> at 300 °C.