Methods of forming microelectronic devices, and related microelectronic devices, memory devices, and electronic systems

Abstract

A microelectronic device comprises a stack structure, a staircase structure, a first liner material, a liner structure, conductive contact structures, and barrier structures. The stack structure comprises vertically alternating conductive structures and insulative structures arranged in tiers. Each of the tiers individually comprises one of the conductive structures and one of the insulative structures. The staircase structure has steps comprising edges of at least some of the tiers of the stack structure. The first liner material is on the steps of the staircase structure, and the liner structure on the first liner material. The conductive contact structures extend through the first liner material and the liner structure and to the conductive structures of the stack structure. The barrier structures are between the conductive contact structures and the liner structure and vertically span substantially the same tiers of the stack structure as the liner structure. Memory devices, electronic systems, and methods of forming microelectronic devices are also described.