Impact of substrate temperature on nebulizer spray deposited (222) oriented indium oxide thin films

Nebulized spray pyrolysis is a simple and cost-effective technique for the preparation of In2O3 thin films. In2O3 compound thin films were deposited on glass substrates at substrate temperatures from 300 to 550^o C in steps of 50^o C by nebulized spray pyrolysis technique. These films were shiny, thin and uniform, which were evidenced by specular reflections of white light due to multiple internal reflections of coherent rays. They were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Optical transmittance, scanning electron microscope imaging (SEM), energy dispersive analysis by X-rays (EDAX), Photoluminescence and electrical conductivity. Cubic structure and poly crystalline nature with preferential orientation along (222) plane was observed from XRD analysis. SEM analysis revealed that all the films have no voids and cracks and provide good crystallinity in nature. The surface composition of the elements was confirmed (In&O) with EDAX spectrum. Band gap values of more than 3.45ev with direct allowed nature, Urbach energy values, and skin depth were observed for all the films. The room-temperature Photoluminescence spectra revealed that the four emission bands in all the samples such as sharp prominent peak present at UV-region at 361nm. By Hall-effect measurement all the films were found as n-type semiconductors. The minimum resistivity 1.05x10² Ω-cm with mobility of 155 cm²/Vs at substrate temperature 500^oC.

Figures: Transmittance spectra and crystallite size with lattice strain graph of In2O3 thin film.

References:

1. B. Balayazhini, S. Sahul Hameed, J. Raj Mohamed, J.Mater.Sci : Mater. Electron, 35:1454,(2024).
2. S. Sahul Hameed, B. Balayazhini, S. Syed Zahirullah, L. Amalraj & J. Raj Mohamed, Adv. Mater. Processing Technologies (TAILOR& FRANCIS) (2024).

Miss. B. Balayazhini – Research scholar, doing her Ph.D in HHRC (Autonomous) – Affiliated Bharathidasan University - Trichy – State of Tamilnadu – India. Now, she submitted her thesis to Bharathidasan University. She published 5 research papers in international peer-reviewed journals (Scopus). She received 5 best presentation awards at International conferences, and also received a young researcher award at INSC - Bangalore. She attended more than 30 international and national conferences, workshops, and seminar programmes. She guided 8 M.Sc. students for their PG project work. Now guiding 2 M.Sc. students for master's project work. She is currently working as a free lancer (Physics trainer) -NEET coacher and running her own coaching institute for the past 7 years.