Surface and interface properties of quasi-two dimensional metallic oxides

Abstract

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