Structural and Optical Characterization of TiO₂/ZnO Thin Films Prepared by Sol-Gel Method

Abstract:

Thin film has been extensively study due to better structural, surface morphology, and optical properties. The combination of two materials will enhance the properties of thin film. In this study, TiO₂/ZnO thin films were deposited on glass substrates via sol-gel method. TiO₂ acts as pre-deposited thin film with calcination temperatures at 400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C. The post-deposition of TiO₂/ZnO thin films were calcined at 500 °C and 600 °C. TiO₂ sol-gel was synthesis from titanium (IV) butoxide and butanol as the precursor, while ZnO sol-gel was synthesis from zinc acetate dehydrate and isopropanol as the precursor. The TiO₂/ZnO thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscope (AFM), and ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The effect of calcination temperature and pre-deposited TiO₂ thin films show difference results of bilayer thin films. The XRD analysis shows all TiO₂/ZnO thin films growth with TiO₂ anatase crystalline phase at orientation (1 0 1) and ZnO zincite phase at orientation (1 0 1). The structural properties of TiO₂/ZnO thin films were improved by controlling the calcination temperature. Based on AFM analysis, the RMS value for TiO₂/ZnO decreases as the calcination temperature increased. The compacted and dense surface roughness were controlled by the temperature. Meanwhile, the percentage of thin film ultraviolet transmittance can be enhanced with combination of two materials, TiO₂ and ZnO. Therefore, the pre-deposited layer of thin film with influenced by calcination temperature will improve the crystallinity, surface morphology, and optical properties of TiO₂/ZnO thin films.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volume 888)
• Pages: 290-296
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.888.290
• Online since: March 2017
• Authors: Nur Syahraain Zulkiflee, Rosniza Hussin*, Hasrul YAHYA
• Keywords: Bilayer TiO₂/ZnO, Sol-Gel, Spin Coating, Thin Film

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