Structural, morphological and optoelectronic properties of CdO:Ag films – precursor solution aging effect

ABSTRACT

Ag-doped CdO (CdO:Ag) thin films were prepared by spray technique using perfume atomizer from fresh and aged (1, 3 and 5 days) starting solutions. The as-deposited films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy and photoluminescence studies. Face-centred cubic structure and decreased crystallite size were observed with aging period of the precursor solution. Transparency and band gap value increase with aging period of the solution. The CdO:Ag film prepared from 3-days aged solution exhibits a minimum resistivity of 0.98 × 10⁻⁴ Ω cm. The aged CdO:Ag films exhibit increased figure of merit values. Thus, aging period of the precursor solution strongly influenced the structural, optical and electrical properties of the Ag-doped CdO thin films.

KEYWORDS:

• Aging
• precursor solution
• cubic structure
• transparency
• resistivity

Acknowledgements

The HEAD, Department of Physics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi is very much thanked for the XRD and PL studies.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Mr. N. Raja who is working as Assistant Professor of Physics at Anjalaiammal Engineering College is a Ph.D research scholar who is doing Ph.D under the guidance of Dr. V.S. Nagarethinam, AVVM Sri Pushpam College, Poondi. He has so far published 2 research articles in Optik and Materials Science - Poland.

Dr. V.S. Nagarethinam completed his Ph.D degree in 2011 and guiding research scholars in the field of thin films. He has more than 55 research publications and two students have completed Ph.D under his guidance.

Dr. A.R. Balu, Assistant Professor of Physics, AVVM Sri Pushpam College, Poondi completed his Ph.D degree in 2011 from Bharathidasan University, Trichirappalli. He has 106 publications in reputed international journals and 5 students have completed Ph.D degree under his guidance.