
pmid: 27094575
AbstractSelective dissolution of hafnium‐peroxo‐sulfate films in aqueous tetramethylammonium hydroxide enables extreme UV lithographic patterning of sub‐10 nm HfO2 structures. Hafnium speciation under these basic conditions (pH>10), however, is unknown, as studies of hafnium aqueous chemistry have been limited to acid. Here, we report synthesis, crystal growth, and structural characterization of the first polynuclear hydroxo hafnium cluster isolated from base, [TMA]6[Hf6(μ‐O2)6(μ‐OH)6(OH)12]⋅38 H2O. The solution behavior of the cluster, including supramolecular assembly via hydrogen bonding is detailed via small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). The study opens a new chapter in the aqueous chemistry of hafnium, exemplifying the concept of amphoteric clusters and informing a critical process in single‐digit‐nm lithography.
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 32 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
