Cu-doped ZnS coatings for optoelectronics with enhanced protection for UV radiations

Abstract

Molecular dopants are of great importance in nano-chemical compounds by improving the function of inorganic electronic devices. In this article, Cu:ZnS (CZS) powders were made using the chemical method. Thin films were deposited by the physical method. The CZS films showed cubic crystal structures with a single hexagonal peak. The impact of an increase in Cu2+ dopants was investigated not only in reducing the grain size but also in reducing the optical energy gap and deviation parameters of the lattice constants. The estimated energy gaps of CZS nanostructures (NSs) were (3.70, 3.66, 3.0, and 3.76 eV) for Cu dopant (0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 at.%); an indication of a blueshift. Redshift was also noticed for Cu dopant 4.5% due to interstitial sites. Moreover, the transmittance for all specimens was (70–95%) in the visible and near IR-region and reduced in the UV range (< 400 nm). The decrease in light transmittance occurred in the UV range when the Cu2+ concentration increased. Besides, the study revealed a reduction in the power loss of the thin film indicating high quality and a highly optimized electrical and electronic system. The Neural Network was utilized to obtain validation of results by the theoretical study.