Synthesis of Conductive Sol-Gel ZnO Films and Development of ZnO Printed Electronics

Abstract

ZnO thin films are synthesized and studied to understand the functionality of solution-processed semiconductor devices. A simple sol-gel technique is used to fabricate transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) and ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors from ZnO precursors via spin coating, inkjet printing (IJP), and aerosol jet printing (AJP). A variety of flexible and transparent substrates was selected based on the deposition and sintering conditions and the device application. Doping of ZnO films with Al 3+ , In 3+ , and Ga 3+ was introduced in precursor solutions before deposition processes. Post-deposition processing was carried out in air, H 2 , and Zn environments to optimize thin film properties. Optical, structural, and electronic data analyses reveal the significant effects that deposition method, substrates, dopants, and processing conditions have on the optical transmission, crystallinity, grain size, and electrical conductivity.

Evaluation of the Dispersion Stability of AZO Mesocrystals for Their Processing into Functional Thin Films Using Small Angle X-ray Scattering

“…The field of printable electronics is gaining increasing economic importance and offers the possibility of producing flexible and (semi-)transparent electronic components for use in complex systems [1][2][3][4][5]. The printing of particulate inks to produce these systems offers an advantage compared to the application of expensive gas phase processes, as the deposition of individual functional layers can be omitted and much simpler equipment can be used.…”