Effects of sputter deposition parameters and post-deposition annealing on the electrical characteristics of LaAlO3 dielectric films on Si

The influence of processing parameters on the electrical characteristics of RuO₂/LaAlO₃/Si metal-oxide-semiconductor structures was investigated. In particular, the sputtering regime during deposition of LaAlO₃ on Si and the atmosphere used in the post-deposition annealing step were addressed by determining capacitance-voltage and gate current-voltage characteristics. These results were correlated with compositional information obtained by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and nuclear reaction analysis. A post-deposition annealing step in oxygen at 600 °C resulted in better electrical characteristics of the final structure as compared to the same treatment performed in nitrogen. This result is explained by oxygen ability to heal oxygen vacancies in the LaAlO₃ film, especially at the dielectric/semiconductor interface region. A thermalized sputtering regime during deposition of LaAlO₃ on Si leads to capacitors with electrical characteristics superior to those deposited in ballistic regime. PACS 77.84.Dy; 81.15.Cd; 81.40.Gh; 73.40.Qv; 82.80.Yc     

Measurements and Utilization of Consistent Gibbs Energies of Transfer of Single Ions: Towards a Unified Redox Potential Scale for All Solvents

Utilizing the “ideal” ionic liquid salt bridge to measure Gibbs energies of transfer of silver ions between the solvents water, acetonitrile, propylene carbonate and dimethylformamide results in a consistent data set with a precision of 0.6 kJ mol⁻¹ over 87 measurements in 10 half-cells. This forms the basis for a coherent experimental thermodynamic framework of ion solvation chemistry. In addition, we define the solvent independent - and the values that account for the electronating potential of any redox system similar to the value of a medium that accounts for its protonating potential. This scale is thermodynamically well-defined enabling a straightforward comparison of the redox potentials (reducities) of all media with respect to the aqueous redox potential scale, hence unifying all conventional solvents′ redox potential scales. Thus, using the Gibbs energy of transfer of the silver ion published herein, one can convert and unify all hitherto published redox potentials measured, for example, against ferrocene, to the scale.     

An Organotrifluoroborate for Broadly Applicable One‐Step 18F‐Labeling

A new zwitterionic organotrifluoroborate is appended to three radiosynthons that afford undergo facile bioconjugation to several clinically relevant peptides and one enzyme inhibitor. Molecularly complex bioconjugates are ¹⁸F‐labeled in a single aqueous step in rapid time (<15 min) without HPLC purification to afford tracers in good yields (>200 mCi, 20–40 %) at high specific activity (≥3 Ci/μmol) and at >98 % purity. PET imaging shows in vivo stability and tumor uptake.     

Synthesis,structure characterization and thermal properties of [Zr6(μ3-O)4(μ3-OH)4(OOCCH2Bu)9(μ2-OH)3]2

Oxo/hydoxo zirconium(IV) complex of the general formula [Zr₆(μ₃-O)₄(μ₃-OH)₄(OOCCH₂^tBu)₉(μ₂-OH)₃]₂ has been isolated, when Zr(OⁱPr)₄ reacted with a 2-fold excess of 3,3-dimethylbutyric acid. Single crystal X-ray diffraction data, collected at 103 and 153 K, showed that the studied compound crystallizes in hexagonal system (P6₃/m (no. 176)). Structure consists of dimers composed of [Zr₆(μ₃-O)₄(μ₃-OH)₄(OOCCH₂^tBu)₉] sub-units, linked by six μ₂-OH bridges. Infrared spectroscopic studies proved the presence of hydroxo groups in the structure of studied clusters and formation of different types of oxo/hydroxo bridges. The application of variable temperature infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the structure of this complex undergoes the phase transitions at 143–183 and 203–293 K. Comparison of spectral and crystallographic data suggests that these phase transitions might be related to changes in the strength of Zr–O bonds of μ₂-OH bridges linking complex sub-units, and change in symmetry of the crystal lattice (from hexagonal to trigonal). Analysis of thermogravimetric data showed that decomposition of [Zr₆(μ₃-O)₄(μ₃-OH)₄(OOCCH₂^tBu)₉(μ₂-OH)₃]₂ proceeds with complete conversion to ZrO₂ (monoclinic form) between 603 and 803 K.     

The Ideal Ionic Liquid Salt Bridge for the Direct Determination of Gibbs Energies of Transfer of Single Ions,Part I: The Concept

Described is a procedure for the thermodynamically rigorous, experimental determination of the Gibbs energy of transfer of single ions between solvents. The method is based on potential difference measurements between two electrochemical half cells with different solvents connected by an ideal ionic liquid salt bridge (ILSB). Discussed are the specific requirements for the IL with regard to the procedure, thus ensuring that the liquid junction potentials (LJP) at both ends of the ILSB are mostly canceled. The remaining parts of the LJPs can be determined by separate electromotive force measurements. No extra‐thermodynamic assumptions are necessary for this procedure. The accuracy of the measurements depends, amongst others, on the ideality of the IL used, as shown in our companion paper Part II.