New technique for heterogeneous vapor-phase synthesis of nanostructured metal layers from low-dimensional volatile metal complexes

A new technique for depositing thin nanostructured layers on semiconductor and insulating substrates that is based on heterogeneous gas-phase synthesis from low-dimensional volatile metal complexes is suggested and tried out. Thin nanostructured copper layers are deposited on silicon and quartz substrates from low-dimensional formate complexes using a combined synthesis-mass transport process. It is found that copper in layers thus deposited is largely in a metal state (Cu$^0$) and has the form of closely packed nanograins with a characteristic structure.