Various Applications of ZnO Thin Films Obtained by Chemical Routes in the Last Decade

Abstract

This review addresses the importance of Zn for obtaining multifunctional materials with interesting properties by following certain preparation strategies: choosing the appropriate synthesis route, doping and co-doping of ZnO films to achieve conductive oxide materials with p- or n-type conductivity, and finally adding polymers in the oxide systems for piezoelectricity enhancement. We mainly followed the results of studies of the last ten years through chemical routes, especially by sol-gel and hydrothermal synthesis. Zinc is an essential element that has a special importance for developing multifunctional materials with various applications. ZnO can be used for the deposition of thin films or for obtaining mixed layers by combining ZnO with other oxides (ZnO-SnO2, ZnO-CuO). Also, composite films can be achieved by mixing ZnO with polymers. It can be doped with metals (Li, Na, Mg, Al) or non-metals (B, N, P). Zn is easily incorporated in a matrix and therefore it can be used as a dopant for other oxidic materials, such as: ITO, CuO, BiFeO3, and NiO. ZnO can be very useful as a seed layer, for good adherence of the main layer to the substrate, generating nucleation sites for nanowires growth. Thanks to its interesting properties, ZnO is a material with multiple applications in various fields: sensing technology, piezoelectric devices, transparent conductive oxides, solar cells, and photoluminescence applications. Its versatility is the main message of this review.

Creation of One- and Two-Dimensional Copper and Zinc Oxides Semiconductor Structures

“…The method of hydrothermal synthesis, in which copper precursors react with oxygen in an aqueous solution at elevated temperatures and pressures, is used to fabricate 1D and 2D copper oxide (CuO) structures [88,89]. This method can yield 1D structures like CuO nanowires or nanorods, as well as 2D structures of divalent copper oxide and ZnO-CuO nanocomposites [90][91][92]. To create one-dimensional structures on the surface, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) can be used.…”

Micro-Spectrometer-Based Interferometric Spectroscopy and Environmental Sensing with Zinc Oxide Thin Film

“…This study evaluates the performance of a designed system using zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films to measure interference spectra. ZnO was chosen because it is easy to prepare, sensitive to gases, has a quick response, and maintains chemical stability [19][20][21]. ZnO thin films, synthesized through cost-effective techniques like sol-gel, spray pyrolysis, and chemical vapor deposition, offer precise control over their thickness and morphology.…”

Ionic‐electronic coupling in PEO‐PEDOT/potassium triflate composite films for organic mixed conductivity enhancement

“…31,32 The remarkable ionic-electronic coupling demonstrated in the OMIECs-based composite films renders them highly suitable for various applications, including electrochemical transistors, supercapacitors, photovoltaics, batteries, light-emitting devices, and fuel cells. 33,34 Trifluoromethanesulfonate ions (CF 3 SO À 3 ) or triflate ions are particularly significant complex ions, renowned for their stability and capacity to form ion pairs or complexes with the polymer. 35 In our research, potassium triflate (KOTf, KCF 3 SO 3 ) was chosen as the dopant since it forms complexes with coordinated cations and facilitates electron/hole transport, leading to improved electrical conductivity.…”