TaN and TiN are investigated as bottom electrode materials for metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor applications. Atomic vapor deposited HfO2 films are used as high-k dielectric. The influence of the interfacial layer between HfO2 and the bottom electrode on the electrical performance of MIM capacitors is evaluated. The capacitance density as well as the capacitance voltage linearity of high-k MIM capacitors is affected by the electrode material. There is also an impact by TaN and TiN on leakage current density and breakdown strength of the devices. 2009 American Vacuum Society. [DOI: 10.1116/1.3071843]