Structural, optical, vibrational and photoluminescence studies of Sn-doped MoO 3 sprayed thin films

Abstract MoO 3 thin films were deposited on glass substrates by a simple mini spray technique. Alternatively, some of the obtained films were doped with tin at the molar rates of: 1–4%. In addition to the structural investigations, the opto-thermal studies, Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence measurements were investigated. Structural studies show that all MoO 3 :Sn thin films crystallized in orthorhombic phase with noticeable changes in terms of Sn level. In the same line, Raman spectroscopy reveals the principal MoO 3 vibration’s mode with the shift related to Sn incorporation in MoO 3 matrix. Optical parameters, such as optical band gap, Urbach energy, refractive indices and dielectric constants were studied in terms of Sn doping level. For all MoO 3 :Sn prepared films, PL measurements show three large bands located at 371.5, 485.5 and 729 nm. Additional analyses within the Lattice Compatibility Theory LCT provided also tangible explanation to some tin incorporation patterns within MoO 3 matrix.