Use of a single-source mixed-metal precursor for the photodeposition of Pd/Ni oxides thin films.

Irradiation of thin films of a polyketonate Pd/Ni heteronuclear complex, PdNi(DBA)(2) [DBA = dibenzoylacetone)], produced uniform films containing Pd and Ni as shown by EDAX analysis. The X-ray powder diffraction spectrum showed peaks associated with elemental Pd and NiO. The morphology of the films was examined by SEM measurements showing a uniform granular surface with particle sizes of 100 nm or less. The XPS results show that the ratio of Pd/Ni (1:0.9) present in the film does reflect the stoichiometry in the starting complex. The large amount of carbon (52 %) detected on the surface of the film may be due to the presence of phenyl rings in the precursor complex.