The decomposition of triethylgallium (TEGa) and triethylantimony (TESb) on
GaSb(100)-(1 x 3) was studied using temperature programmed desorption (TPD)
, static secondary ion mass spectroscopy, low energy electron diffraction a
nd X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. TEGa readily decomposes on the surface
below 150 K, while TESb does not dissociatively adsorb below 320 K. The re
active sticking coefficient of TEGa is several orders of magnitude higher t
han that of TESb. The main decomposition products in TPD following dissocia
tive adsorption were ethylene, hydrogen and a small amount of ethyl radical
for both TEGa and TESb. Homolysis and beta-hydride elimination are believe
d to be the desorption pathways for ethyl ligand removal from the surface f
ollowing chemisorption of both precursors. Surface Ga atoms are proposed as
reactive sites for ethyl reaction following the decomposition of TEGa and
TESb on GaSb(100). (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. AU rights reserved.