The sol-gel-like preparation of Cu0.95Me0.05Xx thin films and the study of their microstructures and optical properties

Abstract

Cu0.95Me0.05Ox (Me=V, Mn, Li, La) thin films were prepared by a sol-gel-like method on microscope glass substrates. Precursor solutions were prepared by dissolving copper acetate in isopropyl alcohol. Diethanolamine and ethyleneglycol were used to enhance the solubility of copper acetate and to strengthen the adhesion between the films and the glass substrates. The doping type (Me) substantially affected the microstructure and the transparency of the films. All films showed good transparency in near IR region (<75%) while only Mn doped films showed considerable transparency in UV region (<45%). The optical band gaps of the films were between 1.64 (Me=La)-1.84 (Me=Mn) eV.