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Investigation of the structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of thin films: application of effective medium theories to CdO/Co3O4 composites

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Abstract

Thin films of cadmium oxide (CdO), cobalt oxide (Co3O4), and their composites were deposited on glass substrates at 360 ℃ using the spray pyrolysis method. The films underwent characterization through various techniques, including energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis). Hall Effect measurements were also conducted to assess the structural, optical, and electrical properties. The XRD analysis revealed crystalline structures with cubic symmetry for both CdO and Co3O4, and the Scherrer equation confirmed their nanomaterial nature. EDX results identified the distinct proportions of oxygen, cadmium, and cobalt in the films. On the other hand, the optical band gaps determined via Tauc plots indicated values of Eg1 = 1.54 eV and Eg2 = 2.01 eV for Co3O4, and Eg3 = 2.4 eV for CdO. As for the Hall Effect measurements, they were performed to determine a number of electrical parameters. The results showed that the addition of Co3O4 into CdO increased the sheet resistance of the composite. This research has potential applications in various areas, including the design of solar cells (photovoltaic devices) and the creation of new light-based devices (optoelectronic devices). Additionally, the dielectric functions of composites (CdO)x (Co3O4)1-x with varying compositions (x = 0.7, 0.5, and 0.3) were evaluated. The dielectric properties were experimentally measured from 350 to 2500 nm, and theoretical calculations were performed using mixing equations like Looyenga, Kim, and Bruggman, with the Looyenga model accurately depicting the dielectric properties of the materials studied.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the University of Djillali Liabes of Sidi Bel Abbes, The Algerian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Directorate General for Scientific Research and Technological Development.

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The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Elaboration and Characterization of Materials, University of Djillali Liabes, Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria

    A. Neffah

  2. Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Djillali Liabes, 22000, Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria

    H. Tabet-Derraz, M. A. Benali & K. M. E. Boureguig

  3. Laboratory of Electron Microscopy and Materials Science (LMESM), USTO, BP 1505, El Mnaouer, 31000, Oran, Algeria

    M. Z. Belmehdi

  4. Condensed Matter and Sustainable Development Laboratory (LMCDD), Materials and Sustainable Development Department, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel Abbes, 22000, Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria

    H. Saci

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Contributions

All authors have contributed equally to this work. The study conception and design, preparation of the experimental and theoretical part was performed by [A. Neffah]. [Hamza Saci] and [K. M. A. Bourguig] were contributed in the study and participated in material preparation part. [Benali Mohamed Amine] was contributed in the theoretical study conception. The manuscript was drafted and revised by [Belmehdi Meriem Zineb] and [Benali Mohamed Amine]. [H. Tabet-Deraz] approved the version to be published. We confirm that all authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to M. A. Benali.

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Neffah, A., Tabet-Derraz, H., Benali, M.A. et al. Investigation of the structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of thin films: application of effective medium theories to CdO/Co3O4 composites. J Mater Sci: Mater Electron 35, 1666 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-024-13392-9

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