Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include potassium sodium niobate (KNN) films and methods of making such films. In an embodiment, a method of forming a potassium sodium niobate (KNN) film comprises preparing a solution comprising water, potassium hexaniobate salts, and sodium hexaniobate salts. In an embodiment, the solution is spin coated onto a substrate to form a film on at least a portion of a surface of the substrate. In an embodiment, the method may further comprise heat treating the film.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include potassium sodium niobate (KNN) films and methods of making such films. In an embodiment, a method of forming a potassium sodium niobate (KNN) film comprises preparing a solution comprising water, potassium hexaniobate salts, and sodium hexaniobate salts. In an embodiment, the solution is spin coated onto a substrate to form a film on at least a portion of a surface of the substrate. In an embodiment, the method may further comprise heat treating the film.

Abstract: In a method of depositing a metal sulfide film on a substrate a solution containing at least one metal compound precursor comprising at least one thiocarboxylate ligand SECR, wherein E is selected from the group consisting of O and S and wherein R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, halogenated alkyl, and halogenated aryl is prepared. The substrate is heated to a reaction temperature. The solution is evaporated to form vapors of the metal compound precursor. The vapors and the substrate heated to the reaction temperature are contacted. The reaction temperature is sufficient to decompose the metal compound precursor to form a metal sulfide film of at least one metal on the substrate.

Abstract: In a method of depositing a metal sulfide film on a substrate, at least one metal compound precursor comprising at least one thiocarboxylate ligand SECR and at least one solubility-improving ligand L is dissolved in a solvent to produce a solution, wherein a) E is selected from the group consisting of O and S and R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, substituted alkyl, substituted aryl, halogenated alkyl, and halogenated aryl; and wherein b) L is selected from the group of monodentate ligands, multidentate ligands, and R.sup.1 O ligands. The solution is coated onto a substrate and the substrate is heated to a reaction temperature sufficient to decompose the metal compound precursor to form a metal sulfide film of at least one metal on the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the synthesis of .beta.-diketonates such as Pb(fod).sub.2 and Pb(thd).sub.2 for use as precursors in metalorganic chemical vapor deposition processes. Lead oxide and a medium of pentane and a protonated ligand (H-fod or H-thd) are combined in a flask and subjected to reaction-promoting ultrasonic waves. The flask is immersed in a water bath to maintain a constant cool temperature, and the flask may include one or more arms for cooling and circulation of the medium during the reaction.