Materials Science#Corrosion, Thin Films, Germanium, Copper, Oxidation🔬 ResearchAnalyzed: Jan 3, 2026 15:48
Germanium Sublayer Improves Corrosion Resistance of Ultrathin Copper Films
Published:Dec 30, 2025 12:30
•1 min read
•ArXiv
Analysis
This paper investigates the corrosion behavior of ultrathin copper films, a crucial topic for applications in electronics and protective coatings. The study's significance lies in its examination of the oxidation process and the development of a model that deviates from existing theories. The key finding is the enhanced corrosion resistance of copper films with a germanium sublayer, offering a potential cost-effective alternative to gold in electromagnetic interference protection devices. The research provides valuable insights into material degradation and offers practical implications for device design and material selection.
Key Takeaways
- •Ultrathin copper films corrode over time, following a parabolic oxidation law.
- •A germanium sublayer significantly improves the corrosion resistance of copper films.
- •The improved resistance is attributed to germanium redistribution during copper film growth.
- •Cu/Ge/SiO2 films are suggested as a cheaper alternative to gold in EMI protection.
Reference
“The $R$ and $ρ$ of $Cu/Ge/SiO_2$ films were found to degrade much more slowly than similar characteristics of $Cu/SiO_2$ films of the same thickness.”