In one aspect, a method of fabricating a semiconductor memory device is
provided which includes forming a mold insulating film over first and
second portions of a semiconductor substrate, where the mold insulating
film includes a plurality of storage node electrode holes spaced apart
over the first portion of the semiconductor substrate. The method further
includes forming a plurality of storage node electrodes on inner surfaces
of the storage node electrode holes, respectively, and forming a capping
film which covers the storage node electrodes and a first portion of the
mold insulating film located over the first portion of the semiconductor
substrate, and which exposes a second portion of the mold insulating film
located over the second portion of the semiconductor substrate. The
method further includes selectively removing, including wet etching, the
mold insulating film to expose a sidewall of at least one storage node
electrode among the storage node electrodes covered by the capping film,
and removing the capping film by dry etching to expose upper portions of
the storage node electrodes.