Sol-Gel Synthesis and Characterization of pure and doped Transparent and Conductive ZnO Thin Films

In this PhD research activity the Sol-Gel synthesis of transparent and conductive ZnO thin films, suitable for photovoltaic (PV) applications was deeply studied. The most important aspects of the Sol†"Gel synthesis of ZnO thin films were analysed. In particular, the effect of the zinc precursor molar concentration on the film properties is focused as well as the effect of the annealing conditions (time, temperature and environment). Furthermore, the influence of the pH level of the precursor solution was investigated. Thanks to an optical, morphological, structural and electrical analysis the best synthesis conditions for ZnO films deposition were established. In these conditions multi-layer ZnO films were prepared in order to increase the film thickness. On these layers Thin Film Solar Cells were deposited and characterized with particular reference to the interface between the TCO and the active layer (a-Si:H p-taype).