Efficiently suppressed thermal conductivity in ZnO thin films via periodic introduction of organic layers

Abstract

A combination of atomic and molecular layer deposition techniques is used to fabricate thin films of hybrid inorganic–organic superlattice structures with periodically repeating single layers of hydroquinone within a ZnO or (Zn_0.98Al_0.02)O framework. A significant reduction of up to one magnitude in the thermal conductivity of the films as evaluated with the time-domain thermoreflectance technique is observed upon introduction of the organic layers, resulting in a greatly improved thermoelectric performance.