Synthesis and characterization of ZnO thin films deposited by chemical route

Abstract

Low temperature synthesis of ZnO thin films were achieved by simple and inexpensive chemical bath deposition method using zinc nitrate as precursor. The films were characterized for their structural, morphological, optical, and wettability properties. The diffraction patterns of X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization indicated that films were polycrystalline with a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure. The peaks were indexed to (100), (002) and (101) planes. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed the film’s granular nature composed of rod-shaped nanoparticles joining together to form flower like morphology. The wettability studies showed the water contact angle of 91° that confirms the hydrophobic nature of ZnO thin films. Optical studies showed absorption in the ultraviolet region confirming high band gap. In addition to structural and morphological properties we also studied the surface roughness and hardness properties of the films. It was observed that there is significant rise in hardness and roughness of the substrate after deposition of ZnO.