Photoelectrochemical properties of highly mobilized Li-doped ZnO thin films

Li-doped ZnO thin films with preferred (0 0 2) orientation have been prepared by spray pyrolysis technique in aqueous medium on to the corning glass substrates. The effect of Li-doping on to the photoelectrochemical, structural, morphological, optical, luminescence, electrical and thermal properties has been investigated. XRD and Raman study indicates that the films have hexagonal crystal structure. The transmittance, reflectance, refractive index, extinction coefficient and bandgap have been analyzed by optical study. PL spectra consist of a near band edge and visible emission due to the electronic defects, which are related to deep level emissions, such as oxide antisite (OZn), interstitial zinc (Zni), interstitial oxygen (Oi) and zinc vacancy (VZn). The Li-doped ZnO films prepared for 1 at% doping possesses the highest electron mobility of 102 cm2/Vs and carrier concentration of 3.62 × 1019 cm−3. Finally, degradation of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene using Li-doped ZnO thin films has been reported.

► Synthesis and characterization Li-doped ZnO films by spray pyrolysis technique. ► Photoelectrochemical, structural, morphological and luminescence properties. ► Highly transparent and conducting Li-doped ZnO thin films. ► Highest electron mobility exceeding about 102 cm2/Vs. ► Photochemical oxidation of TNT mineralization by COD and TOC.