Experimental investigation of structural and optical properties of Mn-doped ZnO thin films deposited by pneumatic spray technique
Abdelghani Rahal, Idris Bouchama, M.A. Ghebouli, Faisal Katib Alanazi, B. Ghebouli, M. Fatmi, T. Chihi, Talal M. Althagafi, Khatir Khettab
Abstract
Mn-doped ZnO thin films with varying Mn concentrations were synthesized on glass substrates using the pneumatic spray technique. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the substitution of Zn by Mn in the ZnO matrix. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed characteristic spin-orbit energy states of Zn:2p and Mn:3d, indicating strong Mn-ZnO interactions. Microstructural analysis showed non-uniform extended lines and spherical grains, with decreasing grain size as Mn concentration increased. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed a polycrystalline hexagonal structure, with experimentally determined lattice parameters a = 3.1453 Å, c = 5.1353 Å, in agreement with CASTEP calculations. Optical measurements indicated ~ 80% absorbance in the visible range, with a shift from blue to red as Mn content increased, suggesting bandgap modulation. These findings highlight the potential of Mn-doped ZnO films for tunable optoelectronic applications.