Spray deposited ZnO: Au Thin Films For Solar Cell Application

In the present investigation, the ZnO-Au thin films are deposited in-situ with the simple and cost-effective spray pyrolysis technique. The preparative parameters were fine-tuned to yield better quality samples. A surface Plasmon resonance (SPR) induced absorption bands in the visible region have been observed for both the samples deposited at 450 degrees C. The structural evolution of Au-ZnO thin films with doping concentrations are reflected in the XRD patterns. The surface morphological study of the synthesized thin films was carried out using FESEM micrographs. The evolution of the SPR absorption with concentration of the Gold incorporation is discussed. The optical studies were carried out by using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer and spectrofluorometer (JASCO FP-750) at room temperature. These thin films were used for photoelectrochemical (PEC) application. Encouraging results are obtained.