Transparent and conducting ZnO films grown by spray pyrolysis

Abstract

ZnO films were prepared using the simple, flexible and cost-effective spray pyrolysis technique at different substrate temperatures and precursor molarity values. The films' structural, optical and electrical properties were investigated by x-ray diffraction, UV-VIS transmittance spectroscopy, profilometry and voltage-current-temperature (VIT) measurements. The films prepared at substrate temperatures above 400 • C appear better crystallized with (0 0 2) preferred orientation and exhibit higher visible transmittance (65-80%), higher electrical n-type semiconductor conductivity (10-50 ( cm) −1 ), lower activation energy (<0.35 eV) and smaller Urbach energy (80 meV). These results indicate that such sprayed ZnO films are chemically purer and have many fewer defects and less disorder owing to an almost complete chemical decomposition of the precursor droplets. ZnO films having desired optical and electrical properties for cheaper large-area solar cells may thus be tailored through the substrate temperature and the precursor molarity.

Effect of aluminum addition on the optical, morphology and electrical behavior of spin coated zinc oxide thin films

“…The transmittance of ZnO thin films is comparable or higher (61-91%) than reported (65-80%) for samples obtained by spray pyrolysis on glass substrate. 17 The transmittance increases further to 84-100% with addition of aluminum possibly due to reduced surface roughness of thin films ( fig. 6(a); section B).…”

Effect of Cu, Ni and Pb doping on the photo-electrochemical activity of ZnO thin films

“…[9][10][11][12] ZnO is a wide bandgap n-type semiconductor with a band gap value of 3.2 eV with an anisotropic crystal structure. 13,14 It has been extensively studied and its properties well reported. 4,15,16 Also, non-toxicity, abundance in nature, low-cost and easy synthesis, massive production, and high thermal stability are advantageous properties of ZnO.…”

Spray Coating for Polymer Solar Cells: An Up‐to‐Date Overview

“…The most common technique to deposit a uniform ZnO layer is spray pyrolysis, which allows a thin layer of metal oxide to be obtained at low cost and high speed. Many works report the possibility to realize ZnO thin layers in fabrication of thin film transistors,83 quantum dot solar cells,84 and polymer solar cells 85. 86 Alver et al.…”