Mutual effect of solvent and Fe-In codoping on structural, optical and electronic properties of ZnO thin films prepared by spray pyrolysis technique

This work demonstrates a comparative analysis of structural, morphological, optical and electronic properties of ZnO thin films with respect to change in solvent composition as well as relative codoping concentration of Fe and In. Two different solvent compositions are used i.e. methanol mixed with de-ionized water (methanol-water) and only de-ionized water. X-ray diffraction analysis shows methanol-water solvent resulting preferred orientation along (002) plane. However, de-ionized water derived ZnO samples depicts the usual three most intense peaks along (100), (002) and (101) planes as in case of zincite. There is also observed a change in morphology of the films e.g. flake like nanoparticles are found in 1 at.% Fe and 3at.% In co-doped ZnO thin films synthesized using methanol-water only. Room temperature photoluminescence emission spectra show evolution of a strong emission at 415 nm in case of low doping concentration of Fe (1-3 at.%) in codoped ZnO samples.

Automated summary

This study compared the properties of ZnO thin films with different solvent compositions and codoping concentrations, showing that methanol-water solvent resulted in preferred orientation while de-ionized water solvent led to zincite structure. Changes in film morphology were observed, with unique nanoparticle formations in methanol-water samples. The room temperature photoluminescence emission spectra indicated strong emission at 415 nm with low Fe doping concentration in codoped ZnO samples.