Preparation and character of textured ZnO:Al thin films deposited on flexible substrates by RF magnetron sputtering

ZnO:Al thin films deposited on transparent TPT substrates by magnetron sputtering were etched in acetic acid solution. The effects of etching solution concentration and etching time on the structure and properties of ZnO:Al films were investigated. The obtained films had a hexagonal structure and a highly preferred orientation with the c-axis perpendicular to the substrate. The ZAO film etched in 1% acetic acid solution for 10 s had a pyramidal structure and an enhanced light scattering ability, the average transmittance and reflectance in the visible region were 72% and 26% respectively, the sheet resistance was 260 Ω/□. Both transmittance and reflectance of the films decreased as the etching solution concentration and etching time increasing. Etching had a negative effect on the conductive properties of ZAO films. The lowest sheet resistance was 120 Ω/□ for the ZAO film without etching.