Vertical-interface-manipulated conduction behavior in nanocomposite oxide thin films

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2014 Apr 23;6(8):5356-61. doi: 10.1021/am5001129. Epub 2014 Apr 3.

Abstract

Vertically aligned nanocomposites with vertical interfaces are a novel concept that show powerful advantages over conventional nanocomposites with lateral interfaces. However, significant obstacles to a systematic understanding of vertical interfaces still remain. Here, heteroepitaxial (BaTiO3)0.5:(Sm2O3)0.5 nanocomposite thin films have been fabricated and the conduction behaviors have been investigated. A spontaneous phase ordering with clear vertical interfaces has been found in the composite films. Because of the structural discontinuity as well as a large strain generated at the interfaces, the vertical interfaces are revealed to become the sinks to attract oxygen vacancies. The accumulated oxygen vacancies contributed to a largely reduced leakage current and a different leakage mechanism in the composite films compared to that of the pure BaTiO3 film. The present work represents a methodology to manipulate functionalities by designing configuration of the interfaces in oxide thin films.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.