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A review of in situ surface functionalization of gallium nitride via beaker wet chemistry

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 June 2015

Brady L. Pearce
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, USA
Stewart J. Wilkins
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, USA
Tania Paskova
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, USA; and Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, USA
Albena Ivanisevic*
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, USA
*
a)Address all correspondence to this author. e-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

This review focuses on in situ functionalization of gallium nitride (GaN) with different adsorbates in the presence of an etchant. The low-temperature aqueous nature of this process provides a safe, environmentally friendly technique for tailoring the semiconductor's properties for various applications. Surface binding to GaN relies on a native oxide layer or direct attachment to the metal center present on the etched surface. The specifics of the binding mechanism are based on the functional groups present on the adsorbate. The effects of the GaN surface polarity and quality on the modification approach are analyzed. The review summarizes the alteration of GaN properties after the in situ treatment. Quantitative data until now have shown changes in morphological, surface chemical, optical, electronic, and aqueous stability properties. The review concludes with a short outlook on future studies associated with this surface modification approach.

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Reviews
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2015 

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References

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