Surface infrared spectroscopy during low temperature growth of supported Pt Nanoparticles by atomic layer deposition

The growth of supported Pt nanoparticles at room temperature employing a three-step atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, involving exposures to MeCpPtMe3, O2 plasma, and H2 plasma, has been investigated. From spectroscopic ellipsometry and transmission electron microscopy measurements it has been established that up to 300 cycles of ALD nanoparticles are formed by island formation and island growth. In situ infrared spectroscopy has been used to obtain more insight into the surface chemistry by determining which species are present at the surface during the different stages of nucleation as well as within one ALD cycle. After precursor exposure the surface is covered with a carbonaceous layer, originating from the precursor ligands or (de)hydrogenated fragments thereof. Also adsorbed CO is present, which is already formed in the preceding H2 plasma step. The O2 plasma removes both the carbonaceous layer and the CO. Furthermore, the surface region of the nanoparticle is oxidized by the O2 plasma; i.e., PtOx and Pt–OH are formed at the surface. The subsequent H2 plasma converts the PtOx back into Pt and removes the Pt–OH. The oxidizing and reducing properties of the O2 and H2 plasma have also been observed through changes in free-carrier absorption. Overall, the experiments resulted in a refined understanding of the reaction mechanism of Pt nanoparticles grown by ALD at room temperature.