Lactic acid aided electrochemical deposition of c-axis preferred orientation of zinc oxide thin films: Structural and morphological features

Thou Jen Whang, Mu Tao Hsieh, Jia Ming Tsai, Shyan Jer Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Compact and homogeneous c-axis preferred orientation of zinc oxide (ZnO) films on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass have been prepared electrochemically at -1.2 V vs. AgAgCl in a weak acidic condition from 0.06 M Zn(NO 3 ) 2 with 3 mM lactic acid (LA) added. LA was found having strong influence on the electrodeposition of c-axis preferred orientation of zinc oxide films. Other experimental variables such as deposition temperature, potential, and precursor concentration were also conducted in this article. Among these variables, it was found that precursor concentration of zinc nitrate influenced significantly on growth direction and crystal diameter of zinc oxide. Cyclic voltammetry was used to observe the electrochemistry of the deposition. Crystallinities of the films were examined by X-ray diffractometer. The morphologies of zinc oxide films were observed with a field emitting scanning electron microscope. Optical characteristics of zinc oxide layers were measured with UV-vis spectrophotometer. The band gap of the deposited zinc oxide thin films was evaluated from the Tauc relationship of (αhν) 2 vs. hν, which was found to be 3.31 eV.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)9539-9545
Number of pages7
JournalApplied Surface Science
Volume257
Issue number22
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011 Sept 1

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • General Physics and Astronomy
  • Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films

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