Optical and magnetic properties of ZnCoO thin films synthesized by electrodeposition

Abstract

Ternary Zn1−xCoxO crystalline films with different compositions were grown by electrodeposition. The Co content in the final compound is linked to the initial Co/Zn ratio in the starting solution. X-ray diffraction reveals a wurtzite structure for the Zn1−xCoxO films. Transmittance spectra show two effects proportional to Co content, a redshift of the absorption edge and three absorption bands, which are both interpreted to be due to the Co incorporated into the ZnO lattice. The amount of deposited charge was used to get a precise control of the film thickness. Magnetic measurements point out that Co(II) ions are isolated from each other, and consequently the films are paramagnetic.