Effect of Two Different Deposition Temperatures on the Physical and Electrical Properties of the ZTO Thin Films For Solar Collector Applications

Semiconducting metal oxides have piqued researchers' attention in the realm of energy conversion due to their importance in primary research and future applications. The current study focused on the synthesis, preparation, and optimization of the physical and electrical properties of the direct and reverse ratios of the precursors (Zinc Acetate and Tin (II) Chloride) used to prepare ZTO substrates at two different deposition temperatures using spray pyrolysis technique. Zinc acetate is kept constant in the first set, whereas tin chloride is kept constant in the second set, and other components are altered from 0.05M to 0.25 in 0.05-step increments. The XRD study reveals that all spray-deposited ZTO thin films are polycrystalline in nature, with a preferred orientation along the (101) plane. From morphology studies observed that while the deposition temperature increased, smooth and uniform morphology is achieved. Optical studies show that the percentage of transmittance decreased while the deposition temperature increased. Hall Effect studies show that after changing the molar concentration as well as the deposition temperature there is change in conductivity and mobility values. Except for lower ratio films, the transmission percentage of ZTO films recorded in the visible area approaches 80%. The 3D laser profilometer results show that varying the starting materials' molarity (>Ra&Rz) and deposition temperature (<Ra&Rz) leads to changes in surface roughness and improved film growth.