Structural, morphological and optoelectronic properties of CdO:Ag films – precursor solution aging effect

Abstract

Ag-doped CdO (CdO:Ag) thin films were prepared by spray technique using perfume atomizer from fresh and aged (1, 3 and 5 days) starting solutions. The as-deposited films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy and photoluminescence studies. Face-centred cubic structure and decreased crystallite size were observed with aging period of the precursor solution. Transparency and band gap value increase with aging period of the solution. The CdO:Ag film prepared from 3-days aged solution exhibits a minimum resistivity of 0.98 × 10−4 Ω cm. The aged CdO:Ag films exhibit increased figure of merit values. Thus, aging period of the precursor solution strongly influenced the structural, optical and electrical properties of the Ag-doped CdO thin films.