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Time-resolved light scattering studies of Spin-coated titanium dioxide

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Abstract

Spin coating of titanium alkoxides is a fast and straightforward method of forming compact and durable titanium dioxide thin films. In this report, an optical interference technique is used to understand the dynamics of titanium dioxide thin film formation during the spin coating process of titanium (IV) ethoxide sols, and a 4-stage thinning model is proposed. Optical monitoring of interference fringes as a function of time enables determination of the time-dependent film thickness through measurement of the interference fringe separation while the sol to gel transition can be monitored by analyzing the fringe visibility. For films that are spun at 2,000 rpm or faster, a spin duration of 5 s is sufficient for the film to reach its final thickness. At a given spin speed, spin times longer than 5 s do not affect the final film thickness. However, thinner final film thicknesses can be achieved by increasing the spin speed. All films were found to densify on annealing with an annealed thickness approximately 0.4 times that of the pre-anneal thickness regardless of spin speed. Spin-coated titanium dioxide films are expected to play an important role in low-cost and scalable next generation solar cells employing dyes and quantum dots as the light harvesting agents.

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Notes

  1. The solution gradually degrades over time, with the formation of a milky white gel becoming evident. The process is slowed by refrigeration, and the solution can be stored and used for about a month if refrigerated.

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Acknowledgments

This work was partially funded by National Science Foundation EPS-1004083. We also gratefully acknowledge student support for Mr. Ben Bunnell provided by TNSCORE (Tennessee EPSCORE).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics and Astronomy, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, USA

    Nathanael J. Smith & Ben Bunnell

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  1. Nathanael J. Smith
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  2. Ben Bunnell
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Correspondence to Nathanael J. Smith.

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Smith, N.J., Bunnell, B. Time-resolved light scattering studies of Spin-coated titanium dioxide. J Sol-Gel Sci Technol 67, 429–435 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10971-013-3095-5

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