Influence of pyrolysis temperature on the properties of sol-gel derived zinc oxide films

The influence of pyrolysis temperature on the properties of sol-gel derived zinc oxide films has been investigated. As-deposited films were pyrolyzed at 300 degrees C for 30 min and at 500 degrees C for 10 min. Final annealing was done at 600 degrees C for 30 min in air. The as-grown films deposited on soda-lime-silica glass substrates were highly c-axis oriented. Distinct grain structure was present in the film pyrolyzed at 500 degrees C, while the surface of the film pyrolyzed at 300 degrees C was smooth and no observed texture. The surface of ZnO pyrolyzed at 300 degrees C was covered with needle-like grain growth. With increasing pyrolysis temperature at 500 degrees C, a three-dimensional island formation was appeared.