Native surface oxidation phenomena of DC-Sputtered molybdenum thin film in tropical environment

• Published in: Materials letters 2024-09, Vol.370, p.136787, Article 136787
• Main Authors: Putthisigamany, Yoganash, Sajedur Rahman, Kazi, Mohd Izhar Sapeli, Megat, Shafian, Shafidah, Syafiq, Ubaidah, Sukor Su’ait, Mohd, Ahmad Ludin, Norasikin, Adib Ibrahim, Mohd, Chelvanathan, Puvaneswaran
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Microstructure; Oxidation; Sputtering; Thin films
• ISSN: 0167-577X; 1873-4979
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2024.136787

[Display omitted] •Study of native surface oxidation of DC- sputtered Mo thin film.•Guideline of Mo thin film for storage and transportation in tropical environment.•Mo thin film kept in open air at room temperature undergoes surface oxidation.•Random growth of nanostructured MoOx.•MoOx has less conductivity compared to Mo as sputtered film. Molybdenum (Mo) is a versatile refractory metal that has been widely used as back contact in thin film photovoltaic cells. However, Mo tends to react with oxygen in ambient environment which influences its original properties. In this study, Mo thin films were stored in different environments (in vacuum desiccator and open air) for 8760 h. Subsequently, these films were characterized and analyzed by Grazing Incidence X-Ray Diffractometer (GIXRD), Raman spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX), Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy (C-AFM), and Hall Effect measurement system. It was found that Mo thin film kept in open air at room temperature undergoes surface oxidation which results in random growth of nanostructured MoOx. Formation of these observed oxide compounds on the surface is correlated with decrement in the electrical conductivity mainly through lower carrier mobility. Preliminary results highlighted from this study can serve as general guideline for handling, storage and transportation requirements forMo thin film in tropical environment.