Synthesis and characterization of metastable phases of SnO and Sn3O4 thin films for solar cells applications

Abstract

Meta stable phase of SnO as stoichiometric compound is deposited utilizing thermal evaporation technique under high vacuum onto glass and p-type silicon. These films are subjected to thermal treatment under oxygen for different temperatures (150,350 and 550 °C ). The Sn metal transformed to SnO at 350 oC, which was clearly seen via XRD measurements, SnO was transformed to a nonstoichiometric phase at 550 oC. AFM was used to obtain topography of the deposited films. The grains are combined compactly to form ridges and clusters along the surface of the SnO and Sn3O3 films. Films were transparent in the visible area and the values of the optical band gap for (150,350 and 550 °C ) 3.1, 2.7and 2.4 eV respectively. AFM shows that the granular size of all films increases by increasing the oxidation temperature. The PL emission results were matched the results of the optical energy gap. The solar parameters for the three phases are studied to obtain the efficiency, which were found to be 2%, 3.7%,5.1

Influence Annealing on the Physical Properties of Silver Selenide Thin Film at Different Temperatures by Thermal Evaporation

“…Table (1) provides the traditional Scherre's Equation, which is used to calculate the crystallinity size of Ag2Se thin films. [15][16] (θ) the Bragg's angle,( λ) was the wavelength X-ray equal (1.54056 Ǻ) and (FWHM) the full width half maxima of the main peak .…”

“…These defects show up as a deep and shallow level in the band gap of the complicated semiconductor material. The results of past research [15][16][17][18][19], the band gap of annealed films change as a result of the increase in grain size caused by temperature [21]…”

Improved optical and mechanical characteristics of multilayered Cu/TiON/CrO2 coating via heat treatment for solar absorbing applications

“…Transition metal-based thin film coatings have been extensively targeted by researchers to improve their physiochemical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Transition metal nitride and/or oxide coatings demonstrate attractive and desirable optoelectronic, mechanical, physiochemical, and thermal characteristics in a wide range of technological devices [5][6][7][8]. These coatings commonly include TiN, TiON, CrN, CrON, MoN, MoON, etc.…”

Flat-Band Potential Determination and Catalytical Properties of Sn3O4/SnO2 Heterostructures in the Photo-Electrooxidation of Small Organic Molecules under Ultraviolet (370 nm) and Blue (450 nm) Light

“…Sn 3 O 4 and composites based on it are promising materials that arouse increased interest in various photo-stimulated and electrochemical processes, including hydrogen production [10][11][12][13][14], water decomposition [15], oxidation of dyes and organic compounds [16][17][18][19][20][21], sensors [22][23][24], lithium and sodium ion batteries [25][26][27][28], supercapacitors [29], solar cells [30], CO 2 reduction [31,32], visible light photodetectors [33], etc. The morphology of Sn 3 O 4 represents a layered structure in which two layers of SnO alternate with a layer of SnO 2 [34].…”