Methods of lining and/or filling gaps on a substrate by creating flowable
silicon oxide-containing films are provided. The methods involve
introducing vapor-phase silicon-containing precursor and oxidant
reactants into a reaction chamber containing the substrate under
conditions such that a condensed flowable film is formed on the
substrate. The flowable film at least partially fills gaps on the
substrates and is then converted into a silicon oxide film. In certain
embodiments, the methods involve using a catalyst, e.g., a nucleophile or
onium catalyst, in the formation of the film. The catalyst may be
incorporated into one of the reactants and/or introduced as a separate
reactant. Also provided are methods of converting the flowable film to a
solid dielectric film. The methods of this invention may be used to line
or fill high aspect ratio gaps, including gaps having aspect ratios
ranging from 3:1 to 10:1.