Scientists describe the course of reactions in two-layer thin metal films

SFU scientists described the course of reactions in two-layer thin metal films
Thin copper/gold film made with transmission electron microscope. Credit: Sergey M. Zharkov et. al. / Journal of Solid State Chemistry, 2018.

A team of researchers from Siberian Federal University (SFU) obtained thin copper/gold and iron/palladium films and studied the reactions that take place upon heating them. Knowing these processes, scientists will be able to improve the properties of materials currently used in microelectronics. The study was published in the Journal of Solid State Chemistry.

Materials based on thin metal are widely used in microelectronics. Nanomaterials based on iron and palladium have unique magnetic properties and potentially can be used for magnetic recording of information. One of the main factors that affects the properties of thin film is alteration of the phase composition as a result of chemical reactions and atomic structure realignment. The work of the researchers covers solid phase reactions in two-layer thin metal films—copper/gold (Cu/Au) and iro/palladium (Fe/Pl).

The scientists obtained the Cu/Au and Fe/Pd films in SFU common use center. To do so, they used the method of electron-beam deposition in high vacuum, i.e. evaporated the alloy using a beam of electrons and then deposited it on a carrying base as a thin layer. The thickness of the layer could be regulated. After obtaining the films the scientists made an experiment to study the course of chemical reactions in the interface region of the initial elements. For the reactions to take place, materials had to be heated to which was done directly in the column of a transmission electron microscope. The team used a special sample holder that allowed for controlled heating of each sample from to 1,000 ° C. Along with the heating, the team registered electron diffraction images and measured the temperature. Thus, the scientists managed to combine the initiation of the and the registration of changes in a solid-phase reaction within one experiment and to secure high data precision.

"We've established the value of the long-range order parameter and the temperature of the order-disorder transition in atomically ordered phases formed in the course of the reaction. The atoms of such phases form ordered structures of certain shapes. We also suggested a mechanism for the formation of such ordered structures. For instance, in the case of the Cu/Au system we demonstrated how mutual diffusion of copper and gold on the initial stages of the reaction leads to the refinement of grains of the initial materials and the formation of Cu-Au solid solution nanocrystallites within the material. Later on, a new ordered structure occurs and starts to grow on the basis of these components," explains Evgeny Moiseenko, a co-author of the work, candidate of physics and mathematics, and a research assistant at SFU.

The work of the scientists will help identify the features of the studied thin film systems that may be used in the design of microelectronic devices.

More information: Sergey M. Zharkov et al, L10 ordered phase formation at solid state reactions in Cu/Au and Fe/Pd thin films, Journal of Solid State Chemistry (2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2018.09.009

Provided by Siberian Federal University

Citation: Scientists describe the course of reactions in two-layer thin metal films (2018, November 19) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2018-11-scientists-reactions-two-layer-thin-metal.html
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