Optical and structural properties of ZnO/ZnMgO composite thin films prepared by sol-gel technique

► ZnMgO thin film and ZnO/ZnMgO composite thin film have been prepared by sol-gel method. ► The intensity of ultraviolet emission of ZnMgO thin film is enhanced two times compared with that of pure ZnO thin film. ► Compared with ZnMgO thin film, ZnO/ZnMgO composite thin film shows better crystallization and optical properties. ► ZnO/ZnMgO composite thin films prepared by sol-gel method have potential applications in many optoelectronic devices.