Abstract: In some embodiments, a reducing gas ambient containing a reducing agent is established in a batch process chamber before substrates are subjected to a deposition. The reducing atmosphere is established before and/or during loading of the substrates into the process chamber, and can include flowing reducing gas into the process chamber while the chamber is open. The reducing gas can be a mixture of a reducing agent and an inert gas, with the reducing agent being a minority component of the reducing gas. Using the reducing gas ambient, oxidation of substrate surfaces is reduced.