Effect of Acetic Acid Adding on Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of Sprayed ZnO Thin Films

Zinc oxide thin solid films were deposited on glass substrates at 350 degrees C, using the chemical spray technique. The effect of acetic acid content in the starting solution, on the structural, morphological optical and electrical properties was studied. X-ray diffraction studies reveal the polycrystalline nature of the films which exhibit the hexagonal wurtzite type with a preferential orientation along [002] direction. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that the surface morphology of the films changed with various acetic acid adding; many grains of various dimensions were observed depending on the acetic acid adding. The optical transmittance of all the films was found to be higher than 85% in the wavelength region from 400 nm to 800 nm. The sample prepared using spray solution having acetic acid 20 per 200 ml volume exhibits the lowest resistivity of 14 Omega.cm compared to acetic acid free ZnO of 299 Omega.cm.