Transparent UV-absorbers thin films of zinc oxide: Ceria system synthesized via sol–gel process

Transparent nanostructure ZnO:CeO2 and ZnO thin films to use as solar protector were prepared by non-alkoxide sol–gel process and deposited on boronsilicate glass substrate by dip-coating technique and then heated at 300–500 °C. The films were characterized structurally, morphologically and optically by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), field emission gun-scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV–Vis transmittance spectroscopy. The coatings presented high transparency in the visible region and excellent absorption in the UV. The band gap of the deposited films was estimated between 3.10 and 3.18 eV. Absorption of the films in the UV was increased by presence of cerium. The results suggest that the materials are promising candidates to use as coating solar protective.

► ZnO and ZnO:CeO2 thin films prepared by non-alkoxide sol–gel method.
► Thickness controlled by the conditions employed during the coating procedure and the solution viscosity.
► Stable and translucent colloidal precursor sol were obtained.
► Transparent films with high UV absorption were achieved.