A study of the preparation and pyrolysis of β-diketonate and carboxylate precursors to semiconducting zinc oxide films

Abstract

This work primarily concerns the chemistry involved in the preparation of zinc oxide semiconducting films. Chapter One is ah outline of the background to this project. It also indicates the reasons for studying the areas described in the subsequent chapters. General details of experimental techniques are described in Chapter Two. The third chapter covers the synthetic work carried out during this project. This includes the preparation and characterisation of Zn(acac)(_2-)H(_2)O, related zinc compounds and abetylacetonate complexes of group ill metals (Al, Ga, In). It also includes details of the reaction between alcoholic solutions of Zn(acac)(_2-)H(_2)O and water. Chapter Four describes the study, by differential scanning calorimetry, of Zn(acac)(_2-)H(_2)O and Zn(acac)(_2-) This includes d.s.c. traces carried out for a variety of conditions (including heating rate and particle size). Particular attention is paid to enthalpies and peak-maxima temperatures. The experiments described in Chapter Five were designed to gain further insight into the complex thermal behaviour of Zn(acac)(_2-)H(_2)O. Infra-red spectroscopy, proton n.m.r. , elemental analysis and X-ray powder photography were used to identify the compounds involved. The sixth chapter Outlines the synthesis of zinc oxide films from aqueous solutions of zinc formate dihydrate using spray equipment designed and assembled at the University of Durham. X-ray photography, and thickness and transparency measurements were carried out on the films produced.