**3. Room-temperature formation of adhesion layer utilizing for adhesion improvement of Cu/glass stacks**

As mentioned in Section 1, formation of adhesion layer at Cu/glass interface is an effective method for improvement of adhesion. Recently, we demonstrate roomtemperature formation of Cu/glass stack with high adhesion strength [13, 14]. This adhesion improvement is due to effect of ZnO-based adhesion layer formed at room temperature. The formation process is simple and affordable and is similar to that of electroless plating (ELP) of Cu. The research process leading to the development of this fabrication process is described below.

ZnO has gained considerable attention in microelectronics as an alternative transparent conductor [15, 16], because Zn is a recyclable, abundant, and affordable element. ZnO can be deposited by various techniques such as sputtering (SPT) [17, 18], sol-gel [19], chemical vapor deposition [20, 21], and supercritical fluid chemical deposition [22, 23]. In addition, Zn is miscible in Cu up to 38.27 at% Zn [24], and ZnO generally shows good adhesion to glasses or oxides [25, 26], indicating that ZnO is a potential adhesion layer in Cu/glass structures. Indeed, past research studies demonstrated that a ZnO layer works as an effective adhesion layer between Cu and glass [27, 28]. However, the films employed in those studies had micrometer thicknesses and a high-roughness surface topography, obviously inappropriate for micro-/nanoelectronic applications. Recently, we demonstrated that thin ZnO layers improve the adhesion between Cu and glass.

The relationship between the adhesion strength evaluated by a microscratch tester following JIS R3255 specifications and the Cu deposition method is shown in **Figure 4**. No delamination was observed in stack in which Cu was deposited by electroless plating (ELP) on a ZnO/glass substrate (ELP-Cu/ZnO/glass), whereas the adhesion strength of stack in which Cu was deposited using vapor deposition (VD) on a ZnO/ glass substrate (VD-Cu/ZnO/glass) was low as well as that of the Cu/glass structure. Note that the glass substrate is fractured at the applied load of 500 mN; namely, the fracture of glass substrate occurred before the delamination in ELP-Cu/ZnO/glass stack. This means that the ELP-Cu/ZnO/glass stack has excellent adhesion.

**Figure 5** shows the cross-sectional scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) images and STEM-EDX (energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer equipped with STEM) maps of (a) the VD-Cu/ZnO/glass and (b) ELP-Cu/ZnO/glass stacks. In the VD-Cu/ZnO/glass stack, the Cu film, ZnO layer, and glass substrate were separately observed. At the Cu/ZnO interface, several voids were formed, as indicated by

**51**

**Figure 5.**

Cu, Zn, O, and Si.

*Room-Temperature Formation of Intermixing Layer for Adhesion Improvement of Cu/Glass…*

arrows in STEM image, indicating that the low adhesion strength is due to no intermixing at each interface. In contrast, the ELP-Cu/ZnO/glass stack exhibited a smooth interface, but no clear ZnO layer was observed. Careful observation revealed that the formation of an approximately 10-nm-thick layer was produced at Cu/glass interface. Strong Cu signals were obtained over the entire ELP-Cu film region, whereas a slight low Cu intensity was observed in the 10-nm-thick layer. Zn was detected at all regions of Cu film, 10-nm-thick layer, and glass substrate. Pd is a catalyst element used in the ELP, and it was observed in the 10-nm-thick layer. This indicates that Pd diffused into the ZnO layer during the ELP process, losing its original particulate shape (**Figure 6**). O and Si signals were detected in the 10-nm-thick layer. That is, the 10-nm-thick layer consists of Cu, Pd, Zn, O, and Si. The formation of such an intermixing layer at the Cu/glass interface significantly improved the adhesion. When the VD process (processed at room temperature) was used to deposit the Cu films, an intermixing layer was not formed, and the ZnO layer was clearly observed, and voids were formed at the Cu/ZnO interface. On the other hand, it should be considered that the intermixing layer was formed during the ELP process, which was carried out at a deposition/plating temperature of almost room temperature (308 K). Also, ZnO layer was removed after Cu electroless plating. In addition, the SPT-Cu/ZnO/glass stack has also high adhesion strength like the ELP-Cu/ZnO/glass stack when pretreatment of Cu electroless plating was applied to the ZnO/glass substrate. In general, high temperatures were used to form such a reaction layer. The accelerated diffusion reaction is considered to be due to effect of catalytic role of Pd. We assume that the thinning of the ZnO layer decreased the diffusion distance of Cu and Si, which enhanced the Pd-promoted intermixing of

*Cross-sectional STEM images and STEM-EDX maps of (a) VD-Cu/ZnO/glass and (b) ELP-Cu/ZnO/glass stacks.*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84362*

**Figure 4.** *Relationship between adhesion strength and deposition method.*

*Room-Temperature Formation of Intermixing Layer for Adhesion Improvement of Cu/Glass… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84362*

**Figure 5.** *Cross-sectional STEM images and STEM-EDX maps of (a) VD-Cu/ZnO/glass and (b) ELP-Cu/ZnO/glass stacks.*

arrows in STEM image, indicating that the low adhesion strength is due to no intermixing at each interface. In contrast, the ELP-Cu/ZnO/glass stack exhibited a smooth interface, but no clear ZnO layer was observed. Careful observation revealed that the formation of an approximately 10-nm-thick layer was produced at Cu/glass interface. Strong Cu signals were obtained over the entire ELP-Cu film region, whereas a slight low Cu intensity was observed in the 10-nm-thick layer. Zn was detected at all regions of Cu film, 10-nm-thick layer, and glass substrate. Pd is a catalyst element used in the ELP, and it was observed in the 10-nm-thick layer. This indicates that Pd diffused into the ZnO layer during the ELP process, losing its original particulate shape (**Figure 6**). O and Si signals were detected in the 10-nm-thick layer. That is, the 10-nm-thick layer consists of Cu, Pd, Zn, O, and Si. The formation of such an intermixing layer at the Cu/glass interface significantly improved the adhesion.

When the VD process (processed at room temperature) was used to deposit the Cu films, an intermixing layer was not formed, and the ZnO layer was clearly observed, and voids were formed at the Cu/ZnO interface. On the other hand, it should be considered that the intermixing layer was formed during the ELP process, which was carried out at a deposition/plating temperature of almost room temperature (308 K). Also, ZnO layer was removed after Cu electroless plating. In addition, the SPT-Cu/ZnO/glass stack has also high adhesion strength like the ELP-Cu/ZnO/glass stack when pretreatment of Cu electroless plating was applied to the ZnO/glass substrate. In general, high temperatures were used to form such a reaction layer. The accelerated diffusion reaction is considered to be due to effect of catalytic role of Pd. We assume that the thinning of the ZnO layer decreased the diffusion distance of Cu and Si, which enhanced the Pd-promoted intermixing of Cu, Zn, O, and Si.

*Lead Free Solders*

this fabrication process is described below.

layers improve the adhesion between Cu and glass.

temperature. The formation process is simple and affordable and is similar to that of electroless plating (ELP) of Cu. The research process leading to the development of

ZnO has gained considerable attention in microelectronics as an alternative transparent conductor [15, 16], because Zn is a recyclable, abundant, and affordable element. ZnO can be deposited by various techniques such as sputtering (SPT) [17, 18], sol-gel [19], chemical vapor deposition [20, 21], and supercritical fluid chemical deposition [22, 23]. In addition, Zn is miscible in Cu up to 38.27 at% Zn [24], and ZnO generally shows good adhesion to glasses or oxides [25, 26], indicating that ZnO is a potential adhesion layer in Cu/glass structures. Indeed, past research studies demonstrated that a ZnO layer works as an effective adhesion layer between Cu and glass [27, 28]. However, the films employed in those studies had micrometer thicknesses and a high-roughness surface topography, obviously inappropriate for micro-/nanoelectronic applications. Recently, we demonstrated that thin ZnO

The relationship between the adhesion strength evaluated by a microscratch tester following JIS R3255 specifications and the Cu deposition method is shown in **Figure 4**. No delamination was observed in stack in which Cu was deposited by electroless plating (ELP) on a ZnO/glass substrate (ELP-Cu/ZnO/glass), whereas the adhesion strength of stack in which Cu was deposited using vapor deposition (VD) on a ZnO/ glass substrate (VD-Cu/ZnO/glass) was low as well as that of the Cu/glass structure. Note that the glass substrate is fractured at the applied load of 500 mN; namely, the fracture of glass substrate occurred before the delamination in ELP-Cu/ZnO/glass

stack. This means that the ELP-Cu/ZnO/glass stack has excellent adhesion.

**Figure 5** shows the cross-sectional scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) images and STEM-EDX (energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer equipped with STEM) maps of (a) the VD-Cu/ZnO/glass and (b) ELP-Cu/ZnO/glass stacks. In the VD-Cu/ZnO/glass stack, the Cu film, ZnO layer, and glass substrate were separately observed. At the Cu/ZnO interface, several voids were formed, as indicated by

**50**

**Figure 4.**

*Relationship between adhesion strength and deposition method.*

#### **Figure 6.** *Surface morphology of Pd-catalyzed ZnO/glass stack.*

As mentioned above, the formation of intermixing layer at Cu/glass interface was found to result in adhesion improvement of Cu/glass stack. The intermixing layer is formed at room temperature, but reaction between Cu and glass does not occur at room temperature in general. For understanding the formation mechanism of intermixing layer at room temperature, the interfacial reaction at each process is necessary to be investigated.

At first, in order to confirm the incorporation of Zn into the glass (SiO2) surface, the interfaces of ZnO/SiO2 were examined before removing the ZnO layer [14]. This is because ZnO layer deposited at 673 K by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) was used in the results shown so far. **Figure 7** shows transmission electron microscope (TEM) images and Zn, Si, and O maps of the interfaces of (a) as-deposited MOCVD-, (b) as-deposited MBE-, and (c) annealed MBE-ZnO/ glass stacks. Deposition temperatures of MOCVD- and MBE-ZnO were 673 K and room temperature, respectively. The MBE-ZnO/glass stack was then annealed at 623 K for 60 min. In the as-deposited MOCVD- and the annealed MBE-ZnO/SiO2 stacks, approximately 5-nm-thick layer formation was observed at SiO2 side of the ZnO/SiO2 interfaces, whereas no reaction layer was observed at the as-deposited MBE-ZnO/SiO2 interface. The Zn and Si signals were observed in the interfacial layer regions in the as-deposited MOCVD- and the annealed MBE-ZnO/SiO2 stacks, whereas the as-deposited MBE-ZnO/SiO2 stack showed very sharp transition between the Zn and Si intensities. These results indicate that Zn was diffused approximately 5 nm into the SiO2 when the stacks were processed at high temperatures; i.e., the SiO2 surface was doped with Zn by heat treatment during or after ZnO deposition.

**Figure 8** shows a high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) image of the ZnO/SiO2 interface. A typical amorphous structure having no fringe contrast can be observed in the glass substrate region. The lattice image is clearly observed in the interfacial layer regions as in the ZnO layer region, obviously proving that the interfacial layer is crystalline. **Figure 9(a)** shows a high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) image of the ZnO/SiO2 interface. The interfacial layer was composed of high-contrast regions (A in **Figure 9(b)**) and low-contrast regions (B in **Figure 9(b)**). TEM-EDX revealed that the A-region is Zn-containing SiO2 (SiO2(Zn)) and the B-region is an equilibrium Zn2SiO4 phase (**Table 1**).

**53**

**Figure 7.**

*Room-Temperature Formation of Intermixing Layer for Adhesion Improvement of Cu/Glass…*

*TEM images and TEM-EDX maps of the interfaces of (a) as-deposited MOCVD-, (b) as-deposited MBE-,* 

*and (c) annealed MBE-ZnO/SiO2 stacks. MBE means molecular beam epitaxy.*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84362*

*Room-Temperature Formation of Intermixing Layer for Adhesion Improvement of Cu/Glass… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84362*

#### **Figure 7.**

*Lead Free Solders*

**Figure 6.**

necessary to be investigated.

*Surface morphology of Pd-catalyzed ZnO/glass stack.*

equilibrium Zn2SiO4 phase (**Table 1**).

As mentioned above, the formation of intermixing layer at Cu/glass interface was found to result in adhesion improvement of Cu/glass stack. The intermixing layer is formed at room temperature, but reaction between Cu and glass does not occur at room temperature in general. For understanding the formation mechanism of intermixing layer at room temperature, the interfacial reaction at each process is

At first, in order to confirm the incorporation of Zn into the glass (SiO2) surface, the interfaces of ZnO/SiO2 were examined before removing the ZnO layer [14]. This is because ZnO layer deposited at 673 K by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) was used in the results shown so far. **Figure 7** shows transmission electron microscope (TEM) images and Zn, Si, and O maps of the interfaces of (a) as-deposited MOCVD-, (b) as-deposited MBE-, and (c) annealed MBE-ZnO/ glass stacks. Deposition temperatures of MOCVD- and MBE-ZnO were 673 K and room temperature, respectively. The MBE-ZnO/glass stack was then annealed at 623 K for 60 min. In the as-deposited MOCVD- and the annealed MBE-ZnO/SiO2 stacks, approximately 5-nm-thick layer formation was observed at SiO2 side of the ZnO/SiO2 interfaces, whereas no reaction layer was observed at the as-deposited MBE-ZnO/SiO2 interface. The Zn and Si signals were observed in the interfacial layer regions in the as-deposited MOCVD- and the annealed MBE-ZnO/SiO2 stacks, whereas the as-deposited MBE-ZnO/SiO2 stack showed very sharp transition between the Zn and Si intensities. These results indicate that Zn was diffused approximately 5 nm into the SiO2 when the stacks were processed at high temperatures; i.e., the SiO2 surface was doped with Zn by heat treatment during or after ZnO deposition. **Figure 8** shows a high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) image of the ZnO/SiO2 interface. A typical amorphous structure having no fringe contrast can be observed in the glass substrate region. The lattice image is clearly observed in the interfacial layer regions as in the ZnO layer region, obviously proving that the interfacial layer is crystalline. **Figure 9(a)** shows a high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) image of the ZnO/SiO2 interface. The interfacial layer was composed of high-contrast regions (A in **Figure 9(b)**) and low-contrast regions (B in **Figure 9(b)**). TEM-EDX revealed that the A-region is Zn-containing SiO2 (SiO2(Zn)) and the B-region is an

**52**

*TEM images and TEM-EDX maps of the interfaces of (a) as-deposited MOCVD-, (b) as-deposited MBE-, and (c) annealed MBE-ZnO/SiO2 stacks. MBE means molecular beam epitaxy.*

**Figure 8.** *HRTEM image of ZnO/SiO2 interface.*

#### **Figure 9.**

*(a) HAADF image of the ZnO/SiO2 interface and (b) schematic illustration of (a).*


#### **Table 1.**

*TEM-EDX results of higher- and lower-contrast regions formed in interfacial layer.*

The effect of dip to acid solution of ZnO/SiO2 substrate was investigated. The dip to acid solution of substrate is surface treatment for substrate in conventional pretreatment of electroless plating. This process results in removing the ZnO layer.

**55**

**Figure 10.**

*Room-Temperature Formation of Intermixing Layer for Adhesion Improvement of Cu/Glass…*

TEM observation of the ZnO/glass stack after removing ZnO layer revealed the presence of an extremely thin surface layer (**Figure 10(a)**). Zn, Si, and O maps indicate that the surface layer consists of Zn, Si, and O (**Figure 10(b)**), and this composition distribution was similar to that of the interfacial layer formed at the ZnO/SiO2 interface by heat treatment. This means that the interfacial layer remained at the SiO2 surface as a Zn-doped layer even after the original thick ZnO

The relationship between noble metal particle and Zn-surface-doped layer was investigated. The noble metal particles (Pt in this case) and Cu films were deposited on the Zn-surface-doped SiO2 and non-doped SiO2, and the adhesion strength was investigated. When the Zn-surface-doped SiO2 was used, remarkable adhesion improvement (>500 mN) was observed, whereas adhesion improvement was insufficient (26 mN) when the nondoped SiO2 was used. This indicates that the doping of SiO2 surface with Zn was effective for improving the adhesion at Cu/glass interface. In order to know the effect of the noble metal particle on adhesion improvement, Cu was sputtered on the Zn-doped SiO2 with/without Pt, Pd, or Pt-Pd particles, and the adhesion strength was evaluated. Remarkable adhesion improvement (>500 mN) was observed when Pt, Pd, or Pt-Pd particles were employed. This proves that Pt, Pd, and Pt-Pd particles are effective catalysts and, moreover, the combination of the Zn dope and the noble metal catalyzation enhances the adhesion

**Figure 11** shows cross-sectional TEM image and EDX maps of the Cu/Pt/ Zn-doped SiO2 stack. The results were similar to that of the Cu/Pd/Zn-doped glass stack (**Figure 5(b)**). An extremely thin intermixing layer was clearly formed at the interface, and its composition was Cu42Pt18Zn0.8Si15O22. From these observations, it is safely said that the formation of this intermixing layer results in the adhesion improvement. In the previous study, the formation of such an intermixing layer was observed

when we used Pd as a catalyst, which shows the intermixing acceleration [13].

*(a) TEM image and (b) TEM-EDX maps of SiO2 surface after the removal of ZnO layer.*

The effect of the kind of glass substrate on adhesion strength was investigated [29]. Each stack was fabricated by using each glass substrate (borosilicate glass, soda glass, SiO2, SiO2 thermal oxide growth on Si), SPT-ZnO layer, Pt as a catalyst, and SPT-Cu deposited at room temperature. Adhesion strengths were higher than 500 mN in any stacks, and no film delamination occurred even when any glass substrates were used. This means that Zn-doped layer was formed at each glass surface and that intermixing at room temperature occurred at Cu/glass interface. It is found that this adhesion enhancement is not influenced by the kind of glass substrate.

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84362*

between Cu films and SiO2 substrate.

layer being removed.

*Room-Temperature Formation of Intermixing Layer for Adhesion Improvement of Cu/Glass… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84362*

TEM observation of the ZnO/glass stack after removing ZnO layer revealed the presence of an extremely thin surface layer (**Figure 10(a)**). Zn, Si, and O maps indicate that the surface layer consists of Zn, Si, and O (**Figure 10(b)**), and this composition distribution was similar to that of the interfacial layer formed at the ZnO/SiO2 interface by heat treatment. This means that the interfacial layer remained at the SiO2 surface as a Zn-doped layer even after the original thick ZnO layer being removed.

The relationship between noble metal particle and Zn-surface-doped layer was investigated. The noble metal particles (Pt in this case) and Cu films were deposited on the Zn-surface-doped SiO2 and non-doped SiO2, and the adhesion strength was investigated. When the Zn-surface-doped SiO2 was used, remarkable adhesion improvement (>500 mN) was observed, whereas adhesion improvement was insufficient (26 mN) when the nondoped SiO2 was used. This indicates that the doping of SiO2 surface with Zn was effective for improving the adhesion at Cu/glass interface.

In order to know the effect of the noble metal particle on adhesion improvement, Cu was sputtered on the Zn-doped SiO2 with/without Pt, Pd, or Pt-Pd particles, and the adhesion strength was evaluated. Remarkable adhesion improvement (>500 mN) was observed when Pt, Pd, or Pt-Pd particles were employed. This proves that Pt, Pd, and Pt-Pd particles are effective catalysts and, moreover, the combination of the Zn dope and the noble metal catalyzation enhances the adhesion between Cu films and SiO2 substrate.

**Figure 11** shows cross-sectional TEM image and EDX maps of the Cu/Pt/ Zn-doped SiO2 stack. The results were similar to that of the Cu/Pd/Zn-doped glass stack (**Figure 5(b)**). An extremely thin intermixing layer was clearly formed at the interface, and its composition was Cu42Pt18Zn0.8Si15O22. From these observations, it is safely said that the formation of this intermixing layer results in the adhesion improvement. In the previous study, the formation of such an intermixing layer was observed when we used Pd as a catalyst, which shows the intermixing acceleration [13].

The effect of the kind of glass substrate on adhesion strength was investigated [29]. Each stack was fabricated by using each glass substrate (borosilicate glass, soda glass, SiO2, SiO2 thermal oxide growth on Si), SPT-ZnO layer, Pt as a catalyst, and SPT-Cu deposited at room temperature. Adhesion strengths were higher than 500 mN in any stacks, and no film delamination occurred even when any glass substrates were used. This means that Zn-doped layer was formed at each glass surface and that intermixing at room temperature occurred at Cu/glass interface. It is found that this adhesion enhancement is not influenced by the kind of glass substrate.

**Figure 10.** *(a) TEM image and (b) TEM-EDX maps of SiO2 surface after the removal of ZnO layer.*

*Lead Free Solders*

**54**

**Table 1.**

**Figure 9.**

**Figure 8.**

*HRTEM image of ZnO/SiO2 interface.*

The effect of dip to acid solution of ZnO/SiO2 substrate was investigated. The dip to acid solution of substrate is surface treatment for substrate in conventional pretreatment of electroless plating. This process results in removing the ZnO layer.

A-region (higher-contrast region) 42 18 40

B-region (lower-contrast region) 27 17 56

**Atomic percentage Zn Si O**

46 16 38 36 21 43

29 19 52 33 17 50

*(a) HAADF image of the ZnO/SiO2 interface and (b) schematic illustration of (a).*

*TEM-EDX results of higher- and lower-contrast regions formed in interfacial layer.*

**Figure 11.**

*(a) TEM image and (b) TEM-EDX maps of the interface of a Cu/Pt/Zn-doped SiO2 stack.*

The influence of the kind of ZnO layer on adhesion strength was examined [30, 31]. ZnO layer was fabricated by sol-gel method, metal organic decomposition (MOD), and supercritical fluid chemical deposition (SFCD), and we investigated whether these ZnO layers improve the adhesion of Cu/glass stacks. Adhesion strengths of Cu/glass stacks fabricated by using sol-gel-ZnO or MOD-ZnO were higher than 500 mN. When SFCD-ZnO was employed, adhesion strength (21 mN) was almost 20 times stronger than that of the Cu/non-treated glass stacks. The sol-gel- and MOD-ZnO layers were transparent as well as MOCVD- and MBE-ZnO layers, but the SFCD-ZnO layer had brown or white color. The color of the ZnO layer is considered to show crystallinity of ZnO. These results suggested that sol-gel-, MOD-, and SFCD-ZnO layers are effective for improving the adhesion of Cu/glass stacks and that the degree of improvement depends on the film quality.

From the above results, fabrication process of Cu/glass stack for significant adhesion improvement is shown in **Figure 12**. This process is simple and allows conventional Cu electroless plating or any other common Cu deposition methods, such as SPT and VD, to be used. **Figure 13** shows surface images of (a) VD-Cu/nontreated glass stack and (b) VD-Cu/glass stack fabricated using the process indicated in **Figure 12** after crosscut test (JIS K5600-5-6). It is clearly found that no Cu film delamination was observed in VD-Cu/glass stack fabricated using the process indicated in **Figure 12**, whereas Cu films were completely delaminated from glass substrate in VD-Cu/non-treated glass stack. The key in this process is the combination of Zn doping and noble metal catalyzation, which accelerates atomic intermixing at the Cu/glass interface. For obtaining the Zn-doped glass surface, annealing of the ZnO/glass stack during or after ZnO deposition was effective treatment.

Based on the observed results, interfacial reaction during fabrication process indicated in **Figure 12** is discussed. **Figure 14** shows schematic illustrations of the reaction at the ZnO/SiO2 interface at 573–673 K. SiO2(Zn) and Zn2SiO4 phases were produced at the interface (**Table 1**) by annealing of ZnO/SiO2 stack at 623– 673 K. This layer remained as the surface layer after ZnO removal. According to the ZnO/SiO2 phase diagram [32], Zn2SiO4 is formed over 1573 K. This temperature is much higher than our process temperature. This indicates that the formed Zn2SiO4 phases were produced by diffusion reaction.

The reaction between ZnO and SiO2 does not produce other compounds (2ZnO + SiO2 → Zn2SiO4). Therefore, based on our observations, we formulated a possible overall reaction as follows:

$$\text{4ZnO} \star \text{2SiO}\_2 \rightarrow \text{Zn}\_2\text{SiO}\_4 \star \text{SiO}\_2\\(\text{2Zn}) \star \text{2O} \tag{1}$$

**57**

the SiO2.

**Figure 13.**

**Figure 12.**

SiO2(Zn) coexist at the interface.

*the process for high-adhesion Cu/glass stack (Figure 12).*

*Room-Temperature Formation of Intermixing Layer for Adhesion Improvement of Cu/Glass…*

*Schematic diagrams of process for high-adhesion Cu/glass stack. RT means room temperature.*

where the coefficient of Zn is introduced as 2Zn to satisfy the stoichiometry of Zn. The bracket of Zn shows that Zn is free metal and dissolves in or coexists with

*Macroscopic appearances of (a) VD-Cu/non-treated glass stack and (b) VD-Cu/glass stack fabricated by using* 

The formula (1) indicates that the molar ratio of the formed Zn2SiO4 and the SiO2(Zn) is 1:1 and that more ZnO is consumed in the reaction than SiO2. Indeed, from the TEM-EDX analyses, the volumes of these phases are almost identical apart from the molar density of these phases. The stoichiometry also shows that free Zn forms and dissolves in SiO2. As a result, as observed (**Table 1**), the Zn2SiO4 and the

ZnO + SiO2 → Zn2SiO4 (2)

ZnO → 2Zn + 2O (3)

SiO2 + 2Zn → SiO2(2Zn) (4)

The above formulae simply indicate that ZnO is decomposed to Zn and O. Presumably, the formula (2) ignites these reactions to proceed. Once Zn diffuses

into SiO2, oxygen in ZnO becomes less and promotes oxygen diffusion.

Elementary reactions of reaction (1) can be expressed as follows:

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84362*

*Room-Temperature Formation of Intermixing Layer for Adhesion Improvement of Cu/Glass… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84362*

**Figure 12.**

*Lead Free Solders*

**Figure 11.**

depends on the film quality.

phases were produced by diffusion reaction.

possible overall reaction as follows:

The influence of the kind of ZnO layer on adhesion strength was examined [30, 31]. ZnO layer was fabricated by sol-gel method, metal organic decomposition (MOD), and supercritical fluid chemical deposition (SFCD), and we investigated whether these ZnO layers improve the adhesion of Cu/glass stacks. Adhesion strengths of Cu/glass stacks fabricated by using sol-gel-ZnO or MOD-ZnO were higher than 500 mN. When SFCD-ZnO was employed, adhesion strength (21 mN) was almost 20 times stronger than that of the Cu/non-treated glass stacks. The sol-gel- and MOD-ZnO layers were transparent as well as MOCVD- and MBE-ZnO layers, but the SFCD-ZnO layer had brown or white color. The color of the ZnO layer is considered to show crystallinity of ZnO. These results suggested that sol-gel-, MOD-, and SFCD-ZnO layers are effective for improving the adhesion of Cu/glass stacks and that the degree of improvement

*(a) TEM image and (b) TEM-EDX maps of the interface of a Cu/Pt/Zn-doped SiO2 stack.*

From the above results, fabrication process of Cu/glass stack for significant adhesion improvement is shown in **Figure 12**. This process is simple and allows conventional Cu electroless plating or any other common Cu deposition methods, such as SPT and VD, to be used. **Figure 13** shows surface images of (a) VD-Cu/nontreated glass stack and (b) VD-Cu/glass stack fabricated using the process indicated in **Figure 12** after crosscut test (JIS K5600-5-6). It is clearly found that no Cu film delamination was observed in VD-Cu/glass stack fabricated using the process indicated in **Figure 12**, whereas Cu films were completely delaminated from glass substrate in VD-Cu/non-treated glass stack. The key in this process is the combination of Zn doping and noble metal catalyzation, which accelerates atomic intermixing at the Cu/glass interface. For obtaining the Zn-doped glass surface, annealing of

the ZnO/glass stack during or after ZnO deposition was effective treatment.

The reaction between ZnO and SiO2 does not produce other compounds (2ZnO + SiO2 → Zn2SiO4). Therefore, based on our observations, we formulated a

4ZnO + 2SiO2 → Zn2SiO4 + SiO2(2Zn) + 2O (1)

Based on the observed results, interfacial reaction during fabrication process indicated in **Figure 12** is discussed. **Figure 14** shows schematic illustrations of the reaction at the ZnO/SiO2 interface at 573–673 K. SiO2(Zn) and Zn2SiO4 phases were produced at the interface (**Table 1**) by annealing of ZnO/SiO2 stack at 623– 673 K. This layer remained as the surface layer after ZnO removal. According to the ZnO/SiO2 phase diagram [32], Zn2SiO4 is formed over 1573 K. This temperature is much higher than our process temperature. This indicates that the formed Zn2SiO4

**56**

*Schematic diagrams of process for high-adhesion Cu/glass stack. RT means room temperature.*

#### **Figure 13.**

*Macroscopic appearances of (a) VD-Cu/non-treated glass stack and (b) VD-Cu/glass stack fabricated by using the process for high-adhesion Cu/glass stack (Figure 12).*

where the coefficient of Zn is introduced as 2Zn to satisfy the stoichiometry of Zn. The bracket of Zn shows that Zn is free metal and dissolves in or coexists with the SiO2.

The formula (1) indicates that the molar ratio of the formed Zn2SiO4 and the SiO2(Zn) is 1:1 and that more ZnO is consumed in the reaction than SiO2. Indeed, from the TEM-EDX analyses, the volumes of these phases are almost identical apart from the molar density of these phases. The stoichiometry also shows that free Zn forms and dissolves in SiO2. As a result, as observed (**Table 1**), the Zn2SiO4 and the SiO2(Zn) coexist at the interface.

Elementary reactions of reaction (1) can be expressed as follows:

$$\text{ZnO} \star \text{SiO}\_2 \rightarrow \text{Zn}\_2\text{SiO}\_4 \tag{2}$$

$$\text{ZnO} \twoheadrightarrow 2\text{Zn} \text{ + 2O} \tag{3}$$

$$\text{SiO}\_2 + 2\text{Zn} \rightarrow \text{SiO}\_2\text{(2Zn)}\tag{4}$$

The above formulae simply indicate that ZnO is decomposed to Zn and O. Presumably, the formula (2) ignites these reactions to proceed. Once Zn diffuses into SiO2, oxygen in ZnO becomes less and promotes oxygen diffusion.

#### *Lead Free Solders*

Next, interfacial reaction of the formation of the intermixing layer is discussed. **Figure 15** shows schematic illustrations of the reaction at the Cu/Zn-surface-doped SiO2 interface at room temperature. From the observation and analysis results, an extremely thin intermixing layer was formed at the interface at room temperature, and the composition of the layer was Cu42Pt18Zn0.8Si15O22 (**Figure 11**). The composition ratio of Zn, Si, and O is Zn:Si:O = 2.1:39.7:58.2. This composition has a Si/O ratio close to 2:3. Therefore, we can safely say that this phase is an oxygen-deficient silicon oxide, presumably Si2O3 (SiO2·SiO) that contains impurity Zn. The reactions can be expressed as the following formulae:

$$\text{Zn}\_2\text{SiO}\_4 + \text{SiO}\_2\text{(2Zn)} \xrightarrow{\text{Pt}} \text{SiO}\_2\cdot\text{SiO} + \text{3O} + 4\text{Zn} \tag{5}$$

$$\text{Cu} \star \text{Zn} \rightarrow \text{Cu(Zn)}\tag{6}$$

The formula (5) is a Pt-catalyzed reaction. The catalytic reaction generates free oxygen and free Zn. As shown in **Figure 11(b)**, Zn was detected in Cu film. Therefore, the repelled Zn dissolves into the depositing Cu (**Figure 15**), because Zn is well miscible in Cu according to the Cu/Zn binary phase diagram [24]. The formula (6) expresses the dissolution of Zn in Cu.

**Figure 14.**

*Schematic illustrations of reaction at ZnO/SiO2 interface at 573–673 K.*

**59**

**Author details**

Mitsuhiro Watanabe1

**Acknowledgements**

provided the original work is properly cited.

© 2019 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,

\* and Eiichi Kondoh2

(AS262Z00926M) from the Japan Science and Technology Agency.

Technology, Nihon University, Funabashi, Japan

1 Department of Precision Machinery Engineering, College of Science and

2 Interdisciplinary Graduate School, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Japan

\*Address all correspondence to: watanabe.mitsuhiro@nihon-u.ac.jp

*Room-Temperature Formation of Intermixing Layer for Adhesion Improvement of Cu/Glass…*

In this chapter, lower-temperature process for fabrication of high-adhesion Cu/

glass stack was introduced. The surface activation bonding is one of the lowertemperature processes for similar- and dissimilar-material bonding. Also, roomtemperature formation process of intermixing layer is also introduced. A nanoscale ZnO layer improves the adhesion strength between Cu and glass even if metallization was carried out at room temperature. A Cu/glass stack with a high adhesion strength is successfully fabricated by the combination of Zn dope and noble metal catalyzation. This remarkable adhesion improvement is due to the effect of formation of an intermixing layer at interface. As well-known, Cu and SiO2 do not generally react at room temperature. Obviously, the noble metals lead to the intermixing

These room-temperature/low-temperature processes achieve temperature reduction during microelectronic fabrication. In addition, it leads to formation of extremely thin (several nm thick) adhesion layer at the interface. The thickness reduction of adhesion layer can increase the area of the interconnection, and resistance of interconnection can be reduced. Therefore, these adhesion improvement processes at room temperature/low temperature is considered to be important for

We acknowledge Professor Yoichi Nabetani and Professor Tsutomu Muranaka of the University of Yamanashi for providing ZnO films. A part of this work was financially supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B) (25820122) from the Japan Society for Promotion of Science (JSPS) and Grant-in-Aid for Adaptable and Seamless Technology Transfer Program through target-driven R&D

**4. Summary of this chapter and prospect for fabrication of the** 

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84362*

**next-generation microelectronic devices**

acceleration, very likely by their catalytic effect.

fabrication of a next-generation microelectronic device.

**Figure 15.**

*Schematic illustrations of reaction at Cu/Zn-doped SiO2 interface at room temperature.*

*Room-Temperature Formation of Intermixing Layer for Adhesion Improvement of Cu/Glass… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84362*
