Facile synthesis of SnO2 thin film by spray pyrolysis technique, investigation of the structural, optical, electrical properties

Abstract In the present contribution a simplistic synthesis of SnO 2 thin film on ultrasonically cleaned soda-lime glass is outlined. Precursor solution of strength 0.1 M, 0.2 M and 0.3 M are used for the synthesis using a homemade affordable spray pyrolysis technique. An elaborate structural analysis is carried from the X-Ray diffraction data. The structural analysis is supported by the transmission electron microscopy micrograph and selected area electron diffraction pattern. The crystallite sizes are below 50 nm that makes the films suitable for nano-material application. Formation of texture is observed which indicates the preferred orientation to be the (101) plane. In comparison to techniques like pulsed laser deposition, spray pyrolysis provides better results for certain applications. The morphology of the thin films is investigated using atomic force microscopy. It revealed the control of application dependent roughness of the sample by variation of molarity of the precursor solution. Also the film is uniformly spread throughout the substrate. The optical properties are studied by UV-Visible spectroscopy that further confirms formation of nano-structures. Preliminary electrical investigation of the thin films is done by using a two probe semi-conductor characterization system and is correlated with UV-Visible result. Impedance analysis showed that with higher molarity the impedance remains constant and the barrier height remains fixed for high frequency which predicts that the films can be used for rectifying applications.