Transparent Conducting Mo-Doped CdO Thin Films by Spray Pyrolysis Method for Solar Cell Applications

Abstract

Pure and 3%, 5%, and 7% molybdenum-doped cadmium oxide (CdO) thin films have been prepared on glass substrates preheated to 400°C using a spray pyrolysis technique, then analyzed using x-ray diffraction analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and photoluminescence and Hall measurements. The films were found to have polycrystalline nature with cubic structure. The crystallite size was calculated to be ∼ 12 nm for various doping concentrations. Doping improved the optical transparency of the CdO thin film, with the 5% Mo-doped film recording the highest transmittance in the optical region. The energy bandgap deduced from optical studies ranged from 2.38 eV and 2.44 eV for different Mo doping levels. The electrical conductivity was enhanced on Mo doping, with the highest conductivity of 1.74 × 103 (Ω cm)−1 being achieved for the 5% Mo-doped CdO thin film.