Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 February 2011
The syntheses of the first single-source precursors to gold-colored titanium nitride films are reported. The precursors have the empirical formula [TiCl2(NHR)2(NH2R)0–2] and [TiCl4(NH3)2] and are obtained upon treatment of titanium tetrachloride with alkylamines or ammonia in nonpolar organic solvents. Both precursors sublime without decomposition between 80–120 °C and 0.01–0.1 mmHg. Deposition of titanium nitride films on glass and silicon substrates was achieved using either precursor at substrate temperatures of 475–600 °C. The films were characterized by x-ray diffraction, resistivity measurements, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In particular, low levels of carbon and chlorine contaminants were observed in the films.