Characterization of Epitaxial Barium Titanate Films Deposited Under Hydrothermal Conditions

Abstract

Epitaxial barium titanate films were deposited on single crystal substrates of [100] SrTiO3 under hydrothermal conditions at 150°C by reacting fine TiO2 particles with an aqueous solution of Ba (OH)2. The nucleation and growth as well as the structure and composition of the films were investigated using structural characterization techniques and surface science techniques. The growth kinetics of the film determined by Auger electron spectroscopy support an island (Volmer-Weber) growth model. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data indicate a significant concentration of H2O and OH groups incorporated into the film which increased with the concentration of Ba(OH)2 in the solution. The mechanism of nucleation and growth of the films is discussed.