UV-response of aluminum-doped zinc oxide transparent films with different microstructures and electrical properties

Pure and aluminum doped-zinc oxide thin films were grown by spray-pyrolysis on glass substrates. The addition of increasing amounts of Al led to significant changes in the microstructure of the films. The texture coefficient of the (002) crystallographic plane was observed to decrease in heavily-doped films. Moreover, films with 10% at. Al showed a rare grain morphology characterized by worm-shaped grains. The presence of Al led to films of lower resistivity when compared to the pure-ZnO film, but the excess of doping agent had an opposed effect. This effect may be due to trap states in the form of ionized impurities and aluminum in interstitial sites. The electrical response of the films to UV light was evaluated, being the undoped films the ones showing the most intense response. The time needed for recovering the original current value after interrupting illumination was also measured and discussed.

Automated summary

Pure and aluminum doped-zinc oxide thin films were grown by spray-pyrolysis method on glass substrates. The addition of Al led to changes in microstructure and grain morphology of the films. Electrical response to UV light was more intense in undoped films, with longer recovery time after interrupting illumination.