The structural, optical, and self-cleaning properties of Mn3O4/SnO2 multilayer thin flms deposited using spray pyrolysis technique

Due to the many applications of self-cleaning surfaces in different industries, the development of self-cleaning coating production methods in a simple and inexpensive way has gained signiffcance among researchers. In this regard, the present study aims to prepare tin oxide and Manganese oxide through sol-gel procedure. Next, (Mn3O4/SnO2) double layers were deposited using spray pyrolysis system on glass substrates. Structural, topology, and optical properties, surface morphology, and wettability characterizations were investigated by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and contact angle, respectively. According to AFM images of Mn3O4 thin flms, grains were tightly packed and entirely compressed without crack. According to AFM images of SnO2 flms, the values for grain width and Root Mean Square (RMS) roughness are about 242.8 nm and 25.85 mm, respectively. The bilayer images show that the values of grain width and root-mean-square thickness are about 130{220 nm and 20 mm, respectively. In addition, SnO2 and Mn3O4 and SnO2/Mn3O4 films reveal a direct optical band gap and hydrophilicity with water contact angles of 75 degree, 31 degree, and 70 degree , respectively. Owing to the importance and different applications of hydrophilic surfaces, thin layers of metal oxide were produced in a very simple way, among which Mn3O4 thin film was characterized by good hydrophilicity.