Modification of Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of Spray Coated Zno Films by Fe Dopant

Strategic Insights -

A new research study has been conducted at the Manipal Institute of Technology in India, focusing on the modification of structural, optical, and electrical properties of spray-coated zinc oxide (Zno) films by introducing iron (Fe) dopant. The research, which has been peer-reviewed, utilized a chemical method to prepare polycrystalline Zn1-xFexO (x = 0.0-0.05) thin films on an amorphous glass substrate. Various characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, were employed to analyze the properties of the films.

Key Takeaways:

  • The introduction of Fe ions in the Zno films resulted in the disruption of surface topography, indicating a change in the film's microstructure.
  • Optical studies revealed that the prepared samples were highly transparent, with bandgap values changing due to the introduction of energy levels between the conduction bands and valence bands caused by the Fe dopant.
  • The samples exhibited ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared (IR) emission, and the resistance of the films increased with doping due to increased grain boundaries caused by a reduction in crystallite size.
  • The research utilized a chemical method to prepare the Zno films, which is a cost-effective and scalable approach for large-scale production.
  • The study highlighted the potential of using Fe dopant to modify the properties of Zno films, which could have applications in various fields such as optoelectronics, sensors, and energy storage.
  • The research was supported by the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, indicating the importance of institutional funding for cutting-edge research.

Statistics:

  • The research utilized a chemical method to prepare polycrystalline Zno films on an amorphous glass substrate.
  • The spectra of the X-ray diffraction patterns showed a peaks at 31.76°, 34.42°, 36.23°, 47.57°, 56.59°, 62.87°, 68.01°, and 76.90°, indicating the presence of ZnO and FeO phases.
  • The bandgap values of the prepared samples changed due to the introduction of energy levels between the conduction bands and valence bands caused by the Fe dopant, with values ranging from 3.05 eV to 3.33 eV.
  • The samples exhibited ultraviolet, visible, and near-IR emission, with emission peaks at 377 nm, 545 nm, and 855 nm, respectively.

Sources:

  • Physica B-condensed Matter, 2025;715
  • Modification of Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of Spray Coated Zno Films By Fe Dopant. Physica B-condensed Matter, 2025;715.
  • Elsevier, Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • B. V. Rajendra, Manipal Acad Higher Educ Manipal, Manipal Institute of Technology, Dept. of Physics, Manipal 576104, India
  • Shreepooja Bhat, P. Asha Hind, and A. Ayana.