US Patent 11587796 3D-NAND memory cell structure

Memory devices and methods of manufacturing memory devices are provided. The device and methods described suppress oxidation of metal layers exposed to ambient oxygen. After an opening is formed, a nitridation process occurs to nitridate the surface of the exposed metal layer inside the opening. The nitridated region formed on the surface of metal layer inside the opening works as a barrier layer for oxygen diffusion. In addition, the nitridated region works as an electrode for charge trap memory cells.