The Effect of Fe and Co doping on the Physical Properties of CdO Films Deposited by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis

Abstract

In this study, Cadmium Oxide (CdO) semiconductor films with different iron (Fe) and cobalt (Co) concentrations have been produced at 350 °C substrate temperature on the glass substrates by the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method. In the first part of this study, the Fe element was doped in different ratios (2, 4, 6%) to CdO films, and the films were characterized. At the end of this stage, the optimum Fe doping ratio was determined for CdO films. In the second step, CdO films were dually doped with Fe + Co. The electrical resistivities of CdO:Fe films were determined using a four-probe technique to measure their conductivities, carrier concentrations, mobilities, and electrical conductivity types through Hall measurements. The produced films showed n-type electrical conductivity. It was determined that with increasing doping ratios, the electrical resistivity generally increased, and the films exhibited n-type conductivity. The XRD patterns revealed that the crystal structures of the films were polycrystalline and cubic in structure. The lections of (111), (200), (220), (311), and (222) planes were observed in the XRD patterns. Upon examination of the SEM images, it was observed that the films had nearly homogeneous surfaces and good adhesion to the substrate. By utilizing the fundamental absorption spectra of the films, it was determined that they exhibited direct bandgap transitions, and the bandgap energy values ranged from 2.34 to 2.65 eV. In the structural analysis, all films were found to have a polycrystalline structure and cubic CdO crystal system. When the SEM images of CdO:(Fe + Co) films were examined, it was observed that the films had almost homogeneous surfaces. Based on all these analyses, it was concluded that the doping elements Fe and Co significantly influenced the physical properties of CdO thin films.