Synthesis and characterization of (CuO)x(ZnO)1 − x composite thin films with tunable optical and electrical properties

Mixed (CuO)x(ZnO)1 − x composite films have been prepared on glass substrates by a sol–gel spin coating method using copper acetate hydrate and zinc acetate dihydrate as precursors. The surface morphology and crystal structure of the films were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction, respectively. It was observed that the crystal structure changed from wurtzite (ZnO) to monoclinic (CuO) as the Cu content increased from 0% to 100% in the films. UV–Vis absorption and photoluminescence measurements indicated that the optical properties can be tuned continuously from pure ZnO to pure CuO as the Cu content was increased, following the expected trends for a transition from ZnO to CuO. The resistivity of the films decreased by three orders of magnitude as Cu increased from 0% to 100%. These semiconducting composite oxides with tunable optical and electrical properties have potential applications in electronics and optoelectronics.

► ZnO, CuO, and mixed (CuO)x(ZnO)1 − x composites by sol–gel process.
► Crystal structure trends from wurtzite to monoclinic with increasing Cu content.
► Transmission from 76% to 13% in visible from ZnO → CuO.
► Photoluminescence shows emissions from ZnO and CuO in composite films.
► Resistivity of films decreases by three orders of magnitude from ZnO → CuO.