Preparation of p-type conductive transparent CuCrO2:Mg thin films by chemical solution deposition with two-step annealing

Mg-doped copper chromium oxide (CuCrO2:Mg) thin films are prepared on glass substrate by chemical solution deposition. Metal acetate salts are examined as metal sources in the precursor solution for the preparation of CuCrO2:Mg thin films. Annealing conditions, such as ambient gas and temperature, are investigated in order to produce pure CuCrO2 phase p-type conductive thin films at a relatively lower process temperature. Single-phase delafossite CuCrO2 structures are obtained by subsequent two-step annealing at 400 degrees C in 5% forming gas ambient, followed by a rise to sintering temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere. Annealing in forming gas reduces Cu(II) ion to Cu(I) and inhibits the formation of spinel-type CuCr2O4, thus allowing CuCrO2 to form at 500 degrees C. The transmittance of the CuCrO2 thin films is above 50% in the visible region and increases with increases in the sintering temperature. The highest conductivity is obtained with sintering at 600 degrees C, and a resistivity of 0.31 Omega cm is achieved. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.