Effect of KI/LiF/CdCl2 on photoluminescent and electroluminescent properties of nanocrystalline (Zn-Cd)S: Cu films

The effect of KI/LiF/CdCl₂ on photoluminescent and electroluminescent (EL) spectra have been reported for (Zn-Cd)S:Cu films. Nanocrystalline films of (Zn-Cd)S:Cu have been prepared using chemical deposition technique in aqueous alkaline bath and their subsequent condensation on substrates. Important results in terms of XRD, SEM, absorption spectra, PL and EL spectra, voltage and frequency dependence of EL brightness are presented. Also, EL brightness waves, EL decay and dependence of EL brightness on nature of electrode material are presented and discussed. SEM studies show best growth conditions in the presence of CdCl₂. Results of XRD studies are associated to ZnS and CdS. Both the studies show average particle sizes to be in the nano order. PL and EL emissions from different films show emission peaks in the blue–green region. Results of absorption spectra show a slight change in band gaps owing to the addition of impurities. Voltage dependence of EL brightness shows effectiveness of acceleration–collision mechanism. Frequency dependence of EL brightness first shows an increase in brightness in the lower frequency range, followed by saturation at higher frequencies. Brightness waves consist of primary and secondary waves, which depend on voltage and frequency of excitation. EL cells with Al electrode give better brightness compared with cells with Ag electrodes. The lifetimes of EL emission are found to be of the order of microseconds.