Electric Field-Assisted Chemical Bath Deposition of ZnO Thin Films: Effects of Field Intensity, Polarity Inversion, and Air Agitation on Film Properties
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study presents an innovative modification to the chemical bath deposition method for synthesizing zinc oxide thin films by incorporating a high-voltage electric field, with and without electrical polarity inversion, to influence film growth dynamics. Two configurations were developed to assess the effects of electric field strength, periodic inversion, air agitation, and solution pH on the morphological, structural, and optical properties of ZnO coatings. Morphology studies revealed that particle size, shape, and distribution were strongly dependent on synthesis parameters, with electric field and air injection enabling higher surface coverage and finer nanostructures. Crystalline structural analysis confirmed the formation of the wurtzite ZnO phase, with reduced interplanar spacing and crystallite size under electric fields, especially when polarity was inverted. Optical measurements showed a consistent increase in the band gap (blue shift) and reduced defect-related absorption when electric field is applied. These findings are evidence that controlled electric field application during chemical bath deposition enables precise tuning of ZnO film properties.
Source: Coatings
Authors: Jesús Bladimir Cepero-Rodríguez, Francisco Ramos-Brito, Jorge Noé Angulo-Rocha, Marco Antonio Sánchez-Alejo, Rafael Martínez Martínez, Enrique Camarillo-García, Erika Lizárraga-Medina, Fernando J. Sanchez-Rodriguez, Cástulo Anselmo Alejo-Armenta, Vicente Adrián Canizalez-Roman, Santos Jesús Castillo, Joel Molina-Duarte, Manuel García-Hipólito
Language: English
Topic: ZnO doping and properties
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4415349458