Growth and physical behaviour of Zn1−xMgxO films

Abstract Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 semiconductor is widely used for solar cell applications and higher photovoltaic conversion efficiencies have been achieved with this material using CdS as a window layer. The recent studies demonstrated that the novel window layer, Zn 1− x Mg x O could be one of the best alternatives to CdS. Since this material has not been thoroughly investigated, an attempt has been made in this study to grow Zn 1− x Mg x O films by spray pyrolysis technique. The films were prepared on glass substrates at a temperature of 300 °C over the composition range, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4. The microstructural, electrical and optical properties of as-grown Zn 1− x Mg x O films were studied using appropriate techniques. The films showed a predominant (002) reflection corresponding to the hexagonal wurtzite structure. No changes in the preferred orientation with composition have been observed. The films prepared at x = 0.24 showed good crystallinity and surface morphology. The change in the physical properties like electrical resistivity, energy band gap and photoluminescence with ‘Mg’ composition in the films was evaluated. The results were reported and discussed.