Characterization of Cu2O thin films with addition of additive prepared by sol-gel spin coating process

Abstract

Cuprous Oxide (Cu2O) thin films were formed onto indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate by sol-gel spin coating technique using different additives namely polyethylene glycol and ethylene glycol. It was found that the organic additives added had a significant influenced on the formation mechanism of Cu2O films and lead to different microstructures and optical properties. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). Based on the FESEM micrographs the grain size of film prepared by polyethylene glycol has smaller grain of about 83 nm with irregular shape. The highest optical absorbance was obtained by the addition of polyethylene glycol.