Synthesis Of Thin Films Research Articles

Optoelectronic properties of Mg and Cu co-doped ZnO nanostructure

In this work, both pure and Mg-Cu co-doped zinc oxide thin films are prepared by sol-gel spin coating technique. Microscopic glass substrates are used for the synthesis of thin films. The thin films are examined by X-ray spectroscopy (XRD), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The XRD reveals the hexagonal wurtzite phase of the films. The observed grain size is 23.34 nm to 15.94 nm for pure and Mg-Cu co-doped ZnO respectively. The SEM image shows an increase in grain size and a smoothing of the surface with Mg-Cu co-doping. The presence of Mg and Cu in the ZnO nanofilm is confirmed by EDX analysis. UV analysis shows an increase in percent transmittance with doping. The Tauc relation is used to estimate the band gap of the samples, and a significant shift in the band gap is observed. The photoluminescence diagram shows greater emission and surface defects with doping. The visible spectrum is completely covered by the low- level emission.

Investigation of Microstructure and Physical Characteristics of Eco-Friendly Piezoelectric Composite Thin Films Based on Chitosan and Ln2O3-Doped Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-BaTiO3 Nanoparticles.

This paper investigates the synthesis and characterization of eco-friendly piezoelectric composite thin films composed of chitosan and Ln2O3-doped Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-BaTiO3 (NBT-BT) nanoparticles. The films were fabricated using a solution-casting technique, successfully embedding the particles into the chitosan matrix, which resulted in enhanced piezoelectric properties compared to pure chitosan. Characterization methods, such as photoluminescence spectroscopy and piezo-response force microscopy (PFM) which revealed strong electromechanical responses, with notable improvements in piezoelectric performance due to the inclusion of NBT-BT nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a pure perovskite phase with the space group R3c for NBT-BT and NBT-BT-Ln particles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed a non-uniform distribution of NBT-BT particles within the chitosan matrix. The results also suggest that the incorporation of rare earth elements further enhances the electrical and piezoelectric properties of the composites, highlighting their potential in flexible and smart device applications. Overall, these findings underscore the potential of chitosan-based composites in addressing environmental concerns while offering effective solutions for energy harvesting and biomedical applications.

Thin Film Synthesis and Evaluation of Physical Properties of Synthetic Thin Films by using Hybrid Coating Systems

Thin Film Synthesis and Evaluation of Physical Properties of Synthetic Thin Films by using Hybrid Coating Systems

Grain size control in quasi-two-dimensional perovskite thin film via intermediate phase engineering for efficient bound exciton generation

AbstractQuasi-two dimensional (2D) perovskites have emerged as a promising class of materials due to their remarkable photoluminescence efficiency, which stems from their exceptionally high exciton binding energies. The spatial confinement of excitons within smaller grain sizes could enhance the formation of biexcitons leading to higher radiative recombination efficiency. However, the synthesis of high-quality quasi-2D perovskite thin films with controllable grain sizes remains a challenging task. In this study, we present a facile method for achieving quasi-2D perovskite thin films with controllable grain sizes ranging from 500 to 900 nm. This is accomplished by intermediate phase engineering during the film fabrication process. Our results demonstrate that quasi-2D perovskite films with smaller grain sizes exhibit more efficient bound exciton generation and a reduced stimulated emission threshold down to 15.89 µJ cm−2. Furthermore, femtosecond transient absorption measurements reveal that the decay time of bound excitons is shorter in quasi-2D perovskites with smaller grain sizes compared to that of those with larger grains at the same pump density, which is 230.5 ps. This observation suggests a more efficient exciton recombination process in the smaller grain size regime. Our findings would offer a promising approach for the development of efficient bound exciton lasers.

Enhancing energy storage with binder-free nickel oxide cathodes in flexible hybrid asymmetric solid-state supercapacitors

The need for flexible electrode materials for the development of flexible supercapacitors has drawn scientific interest recently. We present the successful synthesis of nickel oxide thin films using the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method, with the use of three different cationic precursors. This paper provides comprehensive details on the synthesized nickel oxide structure, morphology, and elemental analysis in addition to its electrochemical characteristics, which include specific capacitance (SCs), charge transfer resistance, etc. The produced nickel oxide electrodes achieved specific capacity as 120 C g−1, 517 C g−1, and 1147 C g−1 with different nickel precursors such as nickel chloride, nickel nitrate, and nickel sulfate respectively, at a 1 mA cm−2 current density. A flexible hybrid asymmetric solid-state supercapacitor (FHASS) (S:NiO//PVA-KOH//CuS) device delivered SCs of 165 Fg−1 at a 0.5 mA cm−2 current density, with a maximum SE of 58.87 Wh kg−1 at SP 347 W kg−1. FHASS device exhibits capacitive retention and coulombic efficiency of between 79 % and 96 % after 5000 successful GCD cycles. Also, the device retained an outstanding 97 % of its capacitance at a 175º bending angle. Furthermore, to illustrate its real-world applicability, the constructed device underwent 30 s of charging to a lightning LED table lamp for 90 s. The fabricated device is bringing a new era of broad integration of device-grade applications.

Synthesis and Characterization of TiO2 Thin Films Modified with Anderson-Type Polyoxometalates (Ni, Co, and Fe)

In this work, TiO2 and Anderson-type polyoxometalates (Ni, Co, and Fe) thin-film composites were fabricated. The composites were characterized by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance, and scanning electronic microscopy. The methylene blue (MB) photocatalytic degradation on the composites under UV irradiation was studied. Spectroscopic results verified the modification of TiO2 thin films. Optical and morphological properties changed after TiO2 modification. The largest change in the optical band gap was observed for the FePOM/TiO2 system, which reported a value of 3.05 eV. The POM/TiO2 systems were more efficient in methylene blue (MB) adsorption than bare TiO2. Furthermore, the modified films were more efficient than bare TiO2 during MB photodegradation tests. The NiPOM/TiO2 and the CoPOM/TiO2 were the most efficient in the MB adsorption, reaching ~20%. The NiPOM/TiO2 and the CoPOM/TiO2 composites were the most efficient in the photodegradation process, reaching ~50% of MB removal. The stability tests indicated that composite films were moderately stable after the three performed reusability cycles. Thus, these results suggest that POM modification of TiO2 can improve the adsorption and photodegradation capacity of semiconductors.

Trends Research Characterization of TiO2 Thin Films as Solar Cell Materials (2015-2024): A Systematic Review

Research in the field of solar cells continues to increase along with the development of the times and human needs for renewable energy sources. One of the fields of study that is often used as a research topic is the development of Thin Film Solar Cells or known as Thin Film Solar Cells (TFSC). This research aims to identify and analyze research trends of synthesis of Ti02 thin films as solar cell materials. This research method is descriptive and analytical. The data used in this research was obtained from documents indexed by Google Scholar from 2015-2024 using Publish or Perish and Dimension.ai. Research procedures use PRISMA guidelines. The data identified and analyzed are the type of publication, publication source, and the title of research on synthesis of Ti02 thin films as solar cell materials that is widely cited. The data analysis method uses bibliometric analysis assisted by VOS viewer software. The results of the analysis show that research trend on synthesis of TiO2 thin films as solar cell materials indexed by Google Scholar from 2015 to 2024 has experienced increases and decreases. There are many documents in the form of articles, proceedings, chapters, preprints, monograph and edited books that discuss research about synthesis of Ti02 thin films as solar cell materials. Key words that are often used in research about it are dye sensitized cell, electrode, electron, characterization, etc.

Selenium‐Rich Sb2(S,Se)3 Thin Films Deposited via Sequential Chemical Bath Deposition for High‐Efficiency Solar Cells

AbstractRecently, solution‐processed antimony sulfoselenide (Sb2(S,Se)3) thin films and solar cells have gained popularity and achieved impressive results. One of the most effective improvements is the chemical bath deposition (CBD) approach, which is gentle, highly adjustable, and scalable. However, development in alloyed Sb2(S,Se)3 using this process has been modest, with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of roughly 8%. In this work, a sequential CBD deposition strategy is designed, introducing sulfur (S) or selenium (Se) sources at different stages of the CBD process to achieve high‐quality Sb2(S,Se)3 thin films and devices. Impressively, adding a moderate amount of sodium thiosulfate and thioacetamide as mixed sulfur sources during the CBD deposition of Sb2Se3 can produce Se‐rich Sb2(S,Se)3 films with high crystallinity, suitable bandgaps, low defect density, and favorable energy level alignment. With a short‐circuit current density (JSC) of 26.80 mA cm−2 and a fill factor (FF) of 65.89%, the solar cells with the FTO/CdS/Sb2(S,Se)3/Spiro‐OMeTAD/Au structure obtained an impressive PCE of 9.29%, the highest to date for Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells manufactured with the CBD process. This study provides a feasible approach for enhancing the performance of CBD‐produced Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells and offers new insights and techniques for the synthesis of other complex multicomponent thin films.

Thin film synthesis and photovoltaic performance of polypyrrole@cobalt hydroxide composites for solar cells and optoelectronic devices

Mono-nanocomposites (MNCs) comprising polypyrrole (PPy) and cobalt hydroxide nanoparticles (Co(OH)2 NPs) are emerging as highly favorable contenders for applications in solar cells and optoelectronic devices, owing to their distinctive attributes encompassing robust light absorption, elevated conductivity, and commendable chemical stability. This investigation delves into the production of a thin film [PPy@Co(OH)2]MNC utilizing the physical vapor deposition (PVD) method. The structural and morphological characteristics of the [PPy@Co(OH)2]MNC thin film were scrutinized through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Optical properties, namely reflectance (R), absorbance (Abs), and transmittance (T) within the UV–vis–NIR spectrum, were precisely gauged at room temperature. Time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations and optimizations were conducted to analyze the geometric parameters, while the refractive index dispersion was probed using the single oscillator Wemple-Didomenico (WD) model. Additionally, the energy of a single oscillator and the energy of dispersion were quantified. The [PPy@Co(OH)2]MNC thin film exhibited pronounced light absorption across the UV–vis–NIR spectrum, characterized by a bandgap of 1.6 eV. The Au/[PPy@Co(OH)2]MNC/p-Si/Al heterojunction device demonstrated a power conversion efficiency and fill factor (FF) of 2.6 % and 55.07 %, respectively, under an irradiance of 100 W/cm2. The findings of this investigation underscore the potential of [PPy@Co(OH)2]MNC-based thin films as auspicious candidates for deployment in solar cells and optoelectronic devices.

Synthesis of titanium-vanadium oxide thin films through thermal oxidation process for their use in CO gas sensing application

The thermal oxidation of evaporated titanium-vanadium thin films was carried out at different post-annealing temperatures. The structural, morphological, compositional, optical, electrical, and gas sensing properties of titanium-vanadium oxide thin films were primarily investigated. The results of the XRD study and Raman spectroscopy verified the presence of the orthorhombic V2O5, tetragonal TiO2, and monoclinic V2Ti3O9 phases. The crystallinity of TVO thin films was improved at higher annealing temperatures. The grain size (seen from SEM images) and oxygen compositions (obtained from EDS measurement) of TVO samples are also enhanced when the post-annealing temperature is increased from 500 to 575 °C. From the transmittance curves, the bandgap values for TVO samples were estimated and found in the range of 2.14–2.36 eV. The n-type conductivity of TVO films was confirmed by the negative Hall coefficient values. At last, the CO gas sensing response of TVO thin films was analyzed by monitoring the change in the surface electrical resistances at different operating temperatures and CO gas concentrations. The dynamic and static resistances were assessed at different operating temperatures varying from 100 to 300 °C. The TVO sample prepared at 550 °C showed the best conditions by examining the materials and CO sensing properties.

Preparation of V2O5-Ink for the Fabrication of V2O5 Thin Films by the Spin Coating Method.

This article reports the preparation of V2O5 ink via a novel chemical route. The prepared V2O5 ink has been spin coated for the synthesis of V2O5 thin films on glass substrates. The synthesized V2O5 thin films were annealed at 300-400 °C in air and characterized by different techniques. The X-ray diffraction data reveal the phase pure V2O5 compound with polycrystalline nature. The scanning electron microscopy micrographs unravel that the V2O5 thin films are smooth with few nanoflakes presented on the surfaces. An optical study reveals that transmittance and bandgap of the V2O5 thin films decrease with annealing temperature. The bandgap of the films varies in the range of 2.8-2.9 eV. These findings have opened a new avenue for the preparation of metal oxide ink. The prepared V2O5 ink is promising for the manufacture of low-cost V2O5-based photoelectrochemical cells.

Unraveling the multistage phase transformations in monolayer MoTe2−x

Monolayer MoTe2 exhibits a variety of derivative structural phases and associated intriguing electronic properties that enable a wealth of potential applications in future electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, a comprehensive study focusing on the complexities of the controllable phase evolution in this atomically thin film has yet to be performed. This work aims to address this issue by systematically investigating molecular beam epitaxial growth of monolayer Mo–Te compounds on bilayer graphene substrates. By utilizing scanning tunneling microscopy, we explored a series of thermally driven structural phase evolutions, including distinct T′-MoTe2, H-MoTe2, Mo6Te6 nanowires, and multistoichiometric MoTe2−x. Furthermore, we carefully investigated the critical effects of the growth parameters—annealing temperature and time and tellurium concentration—on the controllable and reversible phase transformation within monolayer MoTe2−x. The findings have significant implications for understanding the thin film synthesis and phase transformation engineering inherent to two-dimensional crystals, which can foster further development of high-performance devices.

Sol-Gel Spin Coating Synthesis and Characterization of Cadmium Zinc Phosphate Thin Films: Structural, Optical, and Electrical Properties

This study successfully implemented the sol-gel and spin coating technique to grow cadmium zinc phosphate cadmium zinc phosphate (CZP) thin films on a glass substrate and p-Si wafer. Structural and morphological analyses were conducted via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the films’ linear and nonlinear optical properties, encompassing absorbance performance, energy gap, refractive index, dielectric, conductivity, and electronegativity, were systematically studied through UV–vis spectroscopy. XRD analysis uncovers the zinc ions substitution by cadmium ions in zinc phosphate’s unit cell, generating oxygen vacancies crucial for maintaining charge neutrality. SEM images then showcase the intricate and organized nano CZP framework. Shifting to optical studies, CZP film analysis spanning 190–2500 nm reveals an indirect energy band gap of 2.92 eV. Transitioning to electrical characteristics, the CZP/p-Si junction undergoes dark mode I-V-T analysis, elucidating the ideality factor, series resistance, and barrier height.

Synthesis of manganese oxide thin films deposited on different substrates via atmospheric pressure-CVD

In this study, we report the synthesis of manganese oxide (MnxOy) thin films on stainless steel, silicon, and borosilicate glass substrates via atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (AP-CVD) using Mn(thd)3 and O3 as precursor and reactive gas, respectively. Deposition was achieved at a low temperature of 300 °C under atmospheric pressure, offering a cost-effective and scalable alternative to traditional high-vacuum CVD methods. The films displayed excellent adhesion and reproducibility, with substrate-dependent variations in film coloration, crystal phases, and morphology. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Mn3O4 and Mn2O3 phases, with Mn3O4 predominating on stainless steel and silicon, while Mn2O3 was more prominent on glass. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed granular structures with uniform grain sizes, particularly on stainless steel substrates. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed Mn2+ and Mn3+ oxidation states, consistent with the phase distribution observed by XRD and Raman analysis. This work demonstrates the potential of AP-CVD for scalable manganese oxide thin-film synthesis, particularly for energy storage applications, where Mn3O4 and Mn2O3 can serve as precursors to δ-MnO2 in supercapacitors. The method's simplicity, combined with the high-quality films produced, makes it a promising approach for future research and industrial-scale applications.

Atomic Layer Deposition Synthesis of thin Films of Vanadium Oxides in a Reducing Hydrogen Atmosphere

Atomic Layer Deposition Synthesis of thin Films of Vanadium Oxides in a Reducing Hydrogen Atmosphere

Trends Research Synthesis of TiO2 Thin Films as Solar Cell Materials (2015-2024): A Systematic Review

Research in the field of solar cells continues to increase along with the development of the times and human needs for renewable energy sources. One of the fields of study that is often used as a research topic is the development of Thin Film Solar Cells or known as Thin Film Solar Cells (TFSC). This research aims to identify and analyze research trends of synthesis of TiO2 thin films as solar cell materials. This research method is descriptive and analytical. The data used in this research was obtained from documents indexed by Google Scholar from 2015-2024 using Publish or Perish and Dimension.ai. Research procedures use PRISMA guidelines. The data identified and analyzed are the type of publication, publication source, and the title of research on synthesis of Ti02 thin films as solar cell materials that is widely cited. The data analysis method uses bibliometric analysis assisted by VOS viewer software. The results of the analysis show that research trend on synthesis of TiO2 thin films as solar cell materials indexed by Google Scholar from 2015 to 2024 has experienced increases and decreases. There are many documents in the form of articles, proceedings, chapters, preprints, monograph and edited books that discuss research about synthesis of TiO2 thin films as solar cell materials. Key words that are often used in research about it are dye sensitized cell, electrode, electron, characterization, etc.

Two Step Synthesis of CuS Thin Films via High Vacuum Sulphidation

In this study, synthesis of CuS thin films on soda lime glass (SLG) substrates has been investigated. The synthesis method is based on high vacuum post-sulphidation of Cu thin films deposited by rf. magnetron sputtering. Sputtering conditions have been optimized so as to reduce grain size for better diffusion of S atoms through grain boundaries. XRD pattern of the precursor Cu sample revealed fcc structure with an average crystallite size of 24 nm. Best sulphidation was obtained at 175 oC for 60 min. The crystallite size of CuS calculated from the dominant peak of (110) planes was approximately 48 nm while average grain size observed via SEM was about 400 nm. Raman spectroscopy confirmed CuS structure by scattering peaks at around 467-472 cm-1. Elemental mapping unveiled homogenous distribution of Cu and S atoms over the surface. According to EDS data, at% compositions of Cu and S were 51.6% and 48.4%, respectively. Moreover, SIMS investigation has demonstrated uniformity of S atoms through the thickness of CuS thin film. Although XRD, Raman, and EDS analysis have resulted in predominant formation of CuS structure, existence of Cu2S phase with a strong luminescence peak located at 1.8 eV was determined by PL spectroscopy.

Synthesis and Characterization of Sn-Doped CuO Thin Films for Gas Sensor Toward H2S Gas Sensing

Synthesis and Characterization of Sn-Doped CuO Thin Films for Gas Sensor Toward H2S Gas Sensing

Influence of the Metallic Sublayer on Corrosion Resistance in Hanks' Solution of 316L Stainless Steel Coated with Diamond-like Carbon.

The purpose of the study was to ascertain the corrosion resistance in Hanks' solution of Cr-Ni-Mo stainless steel (AISI 316L) coated with diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings to establish its suitability for biomedical applications, e.g., as temporary implants. The influence of the carbon coating thickness as well as the correlated effect of the metallic sublayer type and defects present in DLC films on corrosion propagation were discussed. The results obtained were compared with findings on the adhesion of DLC to the steel substrate. The synthesis of carbon thin films with Cr and Ti adhesive sublayers was performed using a combined DC and a high-power-impulse vacuum-arc process. Evaluation of the corrosion resistance was carried out by means of potentiodynamic polarisation tests and scanning electron microscopy. Adhesive properties of the sublayer/DLC coating systems were measured using a scratch tester. It was found that systems with Ti sublayers were less susceptible to the corrosion processes, particularly to pitting. The best anti-corrosion properties were obtained by merging Ti with a DLC coating with a thickness equal to 0.5 μm. The protective properties of the Cr/DLC systems were independent of the carbon coating thickness. On the other hand, the DLC coatings with the Cr sublayer showed better adhesion to the substrate.

Synthesis and characterization of Sn-doped TiO2 thin films for biosensor application

Synthesis and characterization of Sn-doped TiO2 thin films for biosensor application