Abstract
In this work, we demonstrate deposition of micro-arrays of ZnSe nanospheres on Si (100) substrate using simple thermal evaporation on a self-assembled sacrificial polystyrene (PS) mask. The results have been compared with the deposition on unpatterned gold catalyst- and SU-8 (negative photoresist)-coated Si substrates. The deposited ZnSe nanospheres properties were characterised by X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman, photoluminescence, and UV-vis spectroscopies. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the films exhibited reflection corresponding to the cubic (111) phase and showed polycrystallinity with a cubic (zinc blende) structure. The SEM and AFM images indicated that the particles were well dispersed and spherical in shape. The micro-arrays of ZnSe nanospheres on a self-assembled sacrificial PS mask showed excellent structural, morphological, and optical properties and demonstrated its usage in photovoltaic devices as an improved superior antireflective coating. The reflectance of the micro-arrays of ZnSe nanospheres on a self-assembled sacrificial PS mask decreased to nearly half of that of the ZnSe nanospheres fabricated on Au- and SU-8-coated Si substrates in the range of 300-800nm. Due to the well aligned and patterned surfaces, these noble textured ZnSe nanospheres may be suitable for low cost, large area photovoltaic devices and other antireflection applications.