Unearthing [3-(Dimethylamino)propyl]aluminium(III) Complexes as Novel Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) Precursors for Al2O3: Synthesis, Characterization and ALD Process Development

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Lukas Mai - , Ruhr University Bochum (Author)
  • Maximilian Gebhard - , Ruhr University Bochum (Author)
  • Teresa de los Arcos - , Paderborn University (Author)
  • Ignacio Giner - , Paderborn University (Author)
  • Felix Mitschker - , Ruhr University Bochum (Author)
  • Manuela Winter - , Ruhr University Bochum (Author)
  • Harish Parala - , Ruhr University Bochum (Author)
  • Peter Awakowicz - , Ruhr University Bochum (Author)
  • Guido Grundmeier - , Paderborn University (Author)
  • Anjana Devi - , Ruhr University Bochum (Author)

Abstract

Identification and synthesis of intramolecularly donor-stabilized aluminium(III) complexes, which contain a 3-(dimethylamino)propyl (DMP) ligand, as novel atomic layer deposition (ALD) precursors has enabled the development of new and promising ALD processes for Al2O3 thin films at low temperatures. Key for this promising outcome is the nature of the ligand combination that leads to heteroleptic Al complexes encompassing optimal volatility, thermal stability and reactivity. The first ever example of the application of this family of Al precursors for ALD is reported here. The process shows typical ALD like growth characteristics yielding homogeneous, smooth and high purity Al2O3 thin films that are comparable to Al2O3 layers grown by well-established, but highly pyrophoric, trimethylaluminium (TMA)-based ALD processes. This is a significant development based on the fact that these compounds are non-pyrophoric in nature and therefore should be considered as an alternative to the industrial TMA-based Al2O3 ALD process used in many technological fields of application.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)10768-10772
Number of pages5
JournalChemistry - A European Journal
Volume23
Issue number45
Publication statusPublished - 10 Aug 2017
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 28665519

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • aluminium, atomic layer deposition, gas barrier layers, precursor chemistry, thin films