Control of orientation and electrical conductivity of doped ZnO films using a layered double hydroxide nanoparticle precursor and spark plasma sintering process

Sols with dispersions of Zn–Al layered double hydroxide particles and ZnO particles were prepared by heating aqueous solutions of Zn(NO3)2 and Al(NO3)3 with ethylenediamine and hexamethylenediamine at 348 K for 24 h. The shapes of the obtained particles depend on the diamines used. Thin films were obtained by drying the sols on an alkali-free glass substrate. Firing the obtained films at temperatures higher than 573 K produced oriented ZnO films. Spark plasma sintering of the films lowered their surface resistance.