Influence of precursor source on sol–gel deposited ZnO thin films properties

Zinc oxide thin films were deposited by sol gel technique on glass substrates using different precursors (zinc acetate, zinc nitrate and zinc chloride). In the present work we investigate the precursor nature influence on structural, morphological, optical, electrical properties and photocatalytic activity of ZnO thin films. For this purpose we have used X-rays diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), UV–visible spectroscopy and Hall effect measurements for films characterization. The obtained results indicated that ZnO films properties are strongly influenced by the nature of the used precursor as reactant. Films photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the photo-degradation of methylene blue (MB) dissolved in aqueous solution under UV-A light. The obtained results indicated that ZnO thin films prepared from zinc acetate are more efficient than those prepared from zinc nitrate and zinc chloride.