Growth mechanism and morphology of ZnO/Eosin-Y hybrid films

Abstract

Thin hybrid films of ZnO/eosin-Y were prepared by electrodeposition at -0.8 and -0.9 V in aqueous and non-aqueous baths at temperatures ranging from 40 to 90 °C with dye concentrations of 100 and 400 µmol·L-1 . The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and absorption spectroscopy. The films prepared in a non-aqueous bath were non-porous and did not adsorb dye molecules on their surface. However, the films grown in aqueous media were porous in nature and adsorbed dye during the deposition of ZnO. Preferential growth of the film along the (002) face was observed, and the highest crystallinity was achieved when the film was deposited at 60 °C. The maximum absorption was achieved for the films grown at 60 to 70 °C, a deposition potential of -0.9 V, and a dye concentration of 100 µmol·L-1 .