Various methods for selectively etching metal-containing materials (such
as, for example, metal nitrides, which can include, for example, titanium
nitride) relative to one or more of silicon, silicon dioxide, silicon
nitride, and doped silicon oxides in high aspect ratio structures with
high etch rates. The etching can utilize hydrogen peroxide in combination
with ozone, ammonium hydroxide, tetra-methyl ammonium hydroxide,
hydrochloric acid and/or a persulfate. The invention can also utilize
ozone in combination with hydrogen peroxide, and/or in combination with
one or more of ammonium hydroxide, tetra-methyl ammonium hydroxide and a
persulfate. The invention can also utilize ozone, hydrogen peroxide and
HCl, with or without persulfate. The invention can also utilize hydrogen
peroxide and a phosphate, either alone, or in combination with a
persulfate.