Abstract
Copper‐containing thin films were synthesized by a citrate sol–gel method using ethylene glycol. The evolution of the shape and local atomic structure of the copper‐containing fractal crystallites at different stages of growth was investigated by the combination of experimental and theoretical techniques. A surface morphological study of the deposited film samples was carried out using SEM. It revealed the evolution of the crystallite structures as a function of annealing temperature. To describe this mechanism diffusion‐limiting aggregation and cluster–cluster models were used. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES) was applied to show the dynamics of the local atomic structure of Cu ion and the copper oxidation state at different stages of crystallites formation. It was found that at temperatures up to 250 °C the Cu2Cl(OH)3 (atacamite phase) and chelate complex are formed. With temperature increases changes in the local atomic structure as well as in morphology take place and at 500 °C CuO formed. As a result of these processes, the fractal organization of the other level was observed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
