Type:
Journal
Description:
TiO{sub 2} thin films were deposited at an effective surface temperature of 150 Degree-Sign C by dc-reactive magnetron sputtering on ZnO : Al oriented substrates having a fiber texture along the [0 0 0 1] axis, and studied by transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction analyses. The substrate texturing was used to tailor the TiO{sub 2} structure in such a way that a porous matrix made of anatase nano-grains (10 nm in diameter) is formed instead of an amorphous layer (as observed at 150 Degree-Sign C on glass). Additionally, we demonstrate that, by adding an ex situ 200 Degree-Sign C annealing, the anatase domains also gain a fiber texture with the axes aligned to that of the substrate. The TiO{sub 2}/AZO structural coupling is expected to play a crucial role for the carrier transport through the interface as required in dye-sensitized solar cells. Moreover, the low temperatures used render the process compatible with commonly used plastics substrates.
Publisher:
Publication date:
5 Sep 2012
Biblio References:
Volume: 45
Origin:
Journal of Physics. D, Applied Physics