Preparation of crystalline zinc oxide films by one-step electrodeposition in Reline

One-step electrodeposition of crystalline zinc oxide thin films on Molybdenum/glass substrates in a low-cost ionic liquid, Reline composed of urea and choline chloride, is presented. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy shows the thin films have wurtzite structure. Raman microspectroscopy indicates a slight oxygen deficit in the film. Both X-ray energy dispersion and X-ray photonelectron spectroscopy reveal a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio of zinc to oxygen. UV–visible absorption spectra illustrate film transparency in the wavelength range of 190–900 nm. The optimized film fabrication is attractive for applications in solar cells.