Simulation and experimental study on compositional evolution of Li-Co in LiCoO2 thin films during sputter deposition

Nimisha, CS and Rao, Mohan G (2011) Simulation and experimental study on compositional evolution of Li-Co in LiCoO2 thin films during sputter deposition. In: Journal of Applied Physics, 109 (11). p. 114910.

PDF Simulation_and_experimental.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (3MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

The compositional evolution in sputter deposited LiCoO2 thin films is influenced by process parameters involved during deposition. The electrochemical performance of these films strongly depends on their microstructure, preferential orientation and stoichiometry. The transport process of sputtered Li and Co atoms from the LiCoO2 target to the substrate, through Ar plasma in a planar magnetron configuration, was investigated based on the Monte Carlo technique. The effect of sputtering gas pressure and the substrate-target distance (dst) on Li/Co ratio, as well as, energy and angular distribution of sputtered atoms on the substrate were examined. Stable Li/Co ratios have been obtained at 5 Pa pressure and dst in the range 5−11 cm. The kinetic energy and incident angular distribution of Li and Co atoms reaching the substrate have been found to be dependent on sputtering pressure. Simulations were extended to predict compositional variations in films prepared at various process conditions. These results were compared with the composition of films determined experimentally using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Li/Co ratio calculated using XPS was in moderate agreement with that of the simulated value. The measured film thickness followed the same trend as predicted by simulation. These studies are shown to be useful in understanding the complexities in multicomponent sputtering.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	Journal of Applied Physics
Publisher:	American Institute of Physics
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article belongs to American Institute of Physics.
Department/Centre:	Division of Physical & Mathematical Sciences > Instrumentation Appiled Physics
Date Deposited:	27 Feb 2012 11:35
Last Modified:	27 Feb 2012 11:35
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/42979

Actions (login required)

View Item