Characterization and ozone-induced coloration of Zn xNi 1 - XO thin films prepared by sol-gel method

Abstract

Zn xNi 1 - xO thin films were prepared by sol-gel spin coating method onto glass substrates in combination with annealing process. Effect of zinc content on the structural, optical and ozone-induced coloration properties of as-prepared films was investigated by X-ray diffraction, field emission-scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscopy and UV-VIS spectrophotometer, respectively. X-ray diffraction results reveal that the structures of all films are still cubic NiO structure. Average grain size of Zn xNi 1 - xO film increases with increasing annealing temperature and its crystallization is strongly affected by Zn content. Coloration of the films was obtained after UV/ozone exposure due to a presence of ozone-induced hydroxyl groups. Significant enhancement of coloration efficiency of the films is achieved as content of Zn increases. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.