Synthesis of infinite-layer LaNiO2 films by metal organic decomposition

We report the synthesis of infinite-layer LaNiO2 thin films by metal organic decomposition. Our work is aimed to synthesize perovskite-like oxides with 3d(9) electronic configuration, which high-T-c copper oxides commonly take. The 3d(9) configuration is very rare in oxides other than cuprates. Ni1+ oxides, even though Ni1+ is an unusual oxidation state, may be one of very few candidates. One example is infinite-layer LaNiO2. The bulk synthesis of LaNiO2 is difficult, but we demonstrate in this article that the thin-film synthesis of LaNiO2 by metal organic decomposition is rather easy. This is due to the advantage of thin films with a large-surface-to-volume ratio, which makes oxygen diffusion prompt. Although superconductivity has not been observed yet, resistivity measurements indicate that LaNiO2 is conductive. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.