Electron mobility enhancement in ZnO thin films via surface modification by carboxylic acids

Modifying the surface of polycrystalline ZnO films using a monolayer of organic molecules with carboxylic acid attachment groups increases the field-effect electron mobility and zero-bias conductivity, resulting in improved transistors and transparent conductors. The improvement is consistent with t...

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Veröffentlicht in:Applied physics letters 2013-01, Vol.102 (4)
Hauptverfasser: Spalenka, Josef W., Gopalan, Padma, Katz, Howard E., Evans, Paul G.
Format: Artikel
Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:Modifying the surface of polycrystalline ZnO films using a monolayer of organic molecules with carboxylic acid attachment groups increases the field-effect electron mobility and zero-bias conductivity, resulting in improved transistors and transparent conductors. The improvement is consistent with the passivation of defects via covalent bonding of the carboxylic acid and is reversible by exposure to a UV-ozone lamp. The properties of the solvent used for the attachment are crucial because solvents with high acid dissociation constants (Ka) for carboxylic acids lead to high proton activities and etching of the nanometers-thick ZnO films, masking the electronic effect.
ISSN:0003-6951
1077-3118
DOI:10.1063/1.4790155