Influence of pyrolysis temperature on the properties of sol–gel derived zinc oxide films

The influence of pyrolysis temperature on the properties of sol–gel derived zinc oxide films has been investigated. As-deposited films were pyrolyzed at 300 °C for 30 min and at 500 °C for 10 min. Final annealing was done at 600 °C for 30 min in air. The as-grown films deposited on soda-lime-silica glass substrates were highly c-axis oriented. Distinct grain structure was present in the film pyrolyzed at 500 °C, while the surface of the film pyrolyzed at 300 °C was smooth and no observed texture. The surface of ZnO pyrolyzed at 300 °C was covered with needle-like grain growth. With increasing pyrolysis temperature at 500 °C, a three-dimensional island formation was appeared.