Influence of Copper Doping in Nanostructured ZnO Thin Films by Spin Coating

The Cu-doped ZnO (Cu:ZnO) films were prepared by spin coating with emphasis on a small concentration range (0-5 at-%). Various characterization techniques were employed to examine the correlation between microstructure and properties. X-ray diffraction showed reductions in both cell dimensions and crystallite sizes; the latter was also confirmed by Field-effect scanning electron microscopy. The oxidation state of Cu was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to be predominantly 2+. Successful doping was further shed to light by Raman spectroscopy, resulting in a decrease in the band gap, which facilitated enhancement in dye degradation. As a result, this Cu:ZnO system holds great potential for possible utilization in the treatment of waste water, especially under normal light radiation.