Chemo-synthesis and microstructural evolution of Zn1−xCoxSe thin films

We report on the synthesis of Zn1−xCoxSe (0≤ x ≤0.275) thin films by a modified solution deposition technique. Compositional and structural analysis confirmed the successful realization of Co(ZnSe) thin films. Addition of Co2+ into ZnSe host lattice caused morphological modifications from globule like morphology (ZnSe) to the formation of leaf like appearance composing the disc-decked micro-flakes elongated in size. To support the observations, Sobel transformation imaging technique has been used. •Zn1−xCoxSe thin films are deposited using solution deposition route.•As-grown thin films have mixed cubic and hexagonal crystal structure.•Microstructural evolution as a result of Co2* integration was observed.•Employed advance image processing of Sobel transform to study morphological details.