ZnO-based spinels grown by electrodeposition

We report on the synthesis of thin films of ZnCo2O4 and ZnMn2O4 spinels, as well as pure Co3O4 and Mn3O4 spinels, by means of electrodeposition. Spinel thin films have been analyzed by energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. We show that under determined deposition conditions the initial wurtzite structure of Co- and Mn-doped ZnO develops into spinel structures when the Co and Mn concentration in the films is above the solubility limit of these ions in the typical ZnO-wurtzite structure.

► ZnM2O4 spinels (M=Co, Mn) grown by electrodeposition are reported for the first time.
► Co and Mn amounts required to transit from wurtzite structure to ZnM2O4 spinel are determined.
► Films were characterized by Raman while literature devoted to spinel oxides used mainly infrared.