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Synthesis and evaluation of the structural, microstructural, optical and magnetic properties of Zn1−xCoxO thin films grown onto glass substrate by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis

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Abstract

Ultrasound pyrolysis spray technique is used to prepare single-phase thin films of Zn1−xCoxO (x = 0–22 at.%). The hexagonal wurtzite structure of the films is confirmed by X-ray diffraction with an average crystallite size estimated in the range of 18–30 nm. The compound structure and stoichiometry of the films are further characterized by energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX). The spectrum analysis agreement great chords between the expected and measured Co atomic content in the films indicating an effective doping. The results also reveal a high solubility of Co into ZnO solid solution at about 14 at.%. For the optical proprieties, the bandgap energy decreases due to the presence of high concentrations of localized states in the thin films. The photoluminescence spectra of all the samples exhibited a broad emission in the visible range. In addition, the magnetic properties of Zn1−xCoxO thin films are found to be strongly influenced by Co doping.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the National Project Research (PNR) and LASPI2A Laboratory of Khenchela University (Algeria) for their financial support of this research project. The authors thank Dr. Ali Hafs for VSM measurements, Laboratoire de Physicochimie des Matériaux (LPCM), El Tarf University, 36000 El Tarf, Algeria.

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  1. LASPI2A Laboratoire des Structures, Propriétés et Interactions Inter Atomiques, Université Abbes Laghrour, 40000, Khenchela, Algeria

    Sabrina Roguai & Abdelkader Djelloul

  2. Science of Matter, Abbes Laghrour University, Khenchela, Algeria

    Sabrina Roguai & Abdelkader Djelloul

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Correspondence to Sabrina Roguai.

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Roguai, S., Djelloul, A. Synthesis and evaluation of the structural, microstructural, optical and magnetic properties of Zn1−xCoxO thin films grown onto glass substrate by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. Appl. Phys. A 125, 816 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-019-3118-3

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