Strong texture tuning along different crystalline directions in glass-supported CeO₂ thin films by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis

The strong facet-dependent performance of glass-supported CeO₂ thin films in different applications (catalysis, smart windows, etc.) has been the target of diverse fundamental and technological approaches. However, the design of accurate, cost-effective and scalable methods with the potential for large-area coverage that produce highly textured glass-supported CeO₂ thin films remains a technological challenge. In the present work, it is demonstrated that under proper tuning conditions, the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique enables one to obtain glass-supported polycrystalline CeO₂ films with noticeable texture along both the (100) and (111) directions, as well as with randomly oriented crystallites (no texture). The influence of flow rates, solution molarity, and substrate temperature on the texture and morphological characteristics, as well as optical absorption and Raman response of the deposited films, is evaluated. The obtained results are discussed on the basis of the combined dependence of the CeO₂-exposed surfaces on the thermodynamic stability of the corresponding facets and the reaction kinetics, which modulate the crystallite growth direction.