The mechanism of the photochemical metal organic deposition of lead oxide films from thin films of lead (II) 2-ethylhexanoate

A mechanistic study of the photochemistry of thin films of lead (II) 2-ethylhexanoate is presented. Films of lead (II) 2-ethylhexanote can be cast on silicon solutions by spin coating. Spectroscopic evidence suggests that the molecules are polymeric within the thin film. Irradiation of the film with ultraviolet light leads to the fragmentation of the complex and the ejection of carbon dioxide, heptane and heptene from the film. The quantum yield for the reaction of the lead complex was found to be within error of one. A mechanism consistent with these results is presented. The composition of the film remaining on the surface is approximately that of lead (II) oxide. Annealing resulted in the formation of crystalline PbO1 37. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.