Synthesis and characterisation of pure and doped metal oxide thin films for photocatalytic and ultraviolet photodetector applications
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Date
2026
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Abstract
This research examines the manufacture of pure zinc oxide thin films doped with sulfur and then cadmium.
were applied to glass substrates using the sol-gel method and dip coating technique, prior to the systematic
evaluation of their various properties.
Structural (X-ray diffraction: XRD), morphological (field-emission scanning electron microscopy: FE
SEM), compositional (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy: EDS), topographic (high-resolution atomic
force microscopy: AFM), and optical (UV-visible spectroscopy) analyses were employed to characterise the
fabricated films.
The photocatalytic effectiveness of the films was assessed by degrading methylene blue (MB) under direct
sunlight for 120 minutes, utilising cadmium-doped ZnO. The photocatalytic increase of sulfur-doped ZnO
transpires in 90 minutes under sunlight and 50 minutes under UV irradiation.
An enhancement in photocurrent characteristics, including sensitivity, responsivity, and detectivity, was
noted following doping with sulfur and cadmium.
The best photocatalytic performance was attained with the 3% cadmium-doped zinc oxide sample and the
2% sulfur-modified zinc oxide sample. Following six test cycles, the samples exhibited enhanced reusability,
recoverability, and stability, with just a minor decline, suggesting promising potential for diverse
technological applications, validating their efficacy for wastewater treatment.