Modelling of point defects in monoclinic zirconia

We present the results of plane wave density functional theory calculations of oxygen vacancies and interstitial oxygen atoms in monoclinic zirconia. After calculating the incorporation energies and structures of interstitial oxygen atoms and formation energies of neutral oxygen vacancies, we consider the electron affinities and ionisation potentials of these defects. These properties are especially important at the silicon/oxide interface in MOSFET devices, where silicon may serve as an electron and hole source. The results demonstrate that interstitial oxygen atoms and positively charged oxygen vacancies can trap electrons if the electron source (band offset) is higher than ∼2 eV above the top of the zirconia valence band.