Surface and interface properties of quasi-two-dimensional metallic oxides

Abstract

Metallic delafossites ABO₂ (PdCoO₂, PdCrO₂, PdRhO₂, and PtCoO₂) are among the most conductive metals, with electrical conductivity comparable to that of elemental Au. This remarkable conductivity resides in a quasi-two-dimensional layered crystal structure consisting of alternating A⁺ and [BO₂]⁻ layers. In this article, I introduce our recent research on thin-film growth of metallic delafossites. I also briefly overview the physical properties of metallic delafossites, with a focus on the surface/interface phenomena originating from their polar layered crystal structure.