Title: Physical properties of nanosized cobalt doped TiO₂ films grown by pulsed laser deposition

Authors: Faouzi Hanini; Abderrahmane Bouabellou; Yassine Bouachiba; Fouad Kermiche; Adel Taabouche; Kamel Boukheddaden

Addresses: Applied and Theoretical Physics Laboratory, University of Larbi Tébessi Tébessa, Constantine Road 12002, Tébessa, Algeria ' Thin Films and Interfaces Laboratory, University of Frères Mentouri, Constantine 1, 25000 Constantine, Algeria ' Thin Films and Interfaces Laboratory, University of Frères Mentouri, Constantine 1, 25000 Constantine, Algeria; Department of Materials Science Engineering, National Polytechnic School of Constantine, Nouvelle Ville Universitaire Ali Mendjeli, Algeria ' Thin Films and Interfaces Laboratory, University of Frères Mentouri, Constantine 1, 25000 Constantine, Algeria; Department of Exact Science, Higher Normal School of Sétif, ENS El-Eulma, 19600 Sétif, Algeria ' Thin Films and Interfaces Laboratory, University of Frères Mentouri, Constantine 1, 25000 Constantine, Algeria; Faculty of Hydrocarbons and Renewable Energies and Earth and Universe Sciences, University Kasdi Merbah, 30000 Ouargla, Algeria ' Groupe d'Etudes de la Matière Condensée, Université de Versailles, Saint-Quentin 45 Av. des Etats, Unis 78035 Versailles, France

Abstract: Ti_1-x Co_xO₂ (x = 0−0.06) films were deposited at 450°C onto glass substrates using pulsed laser deposition method. The used source was a Nd:YAG laser (λ = 355 nm, ν = 5 Hz, Φ = 2 J/cm² and τ = 8 ns pulse duration). Structural, morphology and optical properties of Ti_1-x Co_xO₂ thin films were studied. X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) analysis showed that the undoped films consist of TiO₂ anatase phase with preferred orientation along the [101] direction and the Co-doped TiO₂ films crystallised in a rutile structure, with a strong (111) orientation in 6 at.% Co doped TiO₂. Surface morphology, nanoparticles size and growth stages based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements are presented and discussed. Both film thickness and refraction index dependence on the fraction of Co doping are derived from TE and TM modes excited in optical prism coupler. The deduced value of optical gap was ranged between 3.13 eV and 3.32 eV in quite good agreement with available data of literature.

Keywords: Co-doped TiO₂; PLD; anatase; rutile; nanoparticles; waveguiding properties.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNP.2017.089216

International Journal of Nanoparticles, 2017 Vol.9 No.3, pp.201 - 212

Accepted: 29 Jun 2017
Published online: 09 Jan 2018 *

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