Influence of the deposition conditions on the properties of TiO2 -Ge nanocomposite films synthesized by magnetron co-sputtering

A growing need for eco-friendly energy sources have led recently to a frantic search of new compositional systems for photovoltaic applications. The nanocomposite titania-germanium (TiO2-Ge) systems represent a new viable family of optoelectronic materials. Their structural, optical and electronic properties can be easily tailored by customizing the density and size of Ge dots in the TiO2 matrix. Early studies on TiO2-Ge nanocomposites have shown promises for their use as an alternative in photovoltaic applications. In this study we report the TiO2-Ge films synthesis by reactive magnetron co-sputtering. Their properties were evaluated by compositional (EDS), structural (XRD, FTIR) and optical (UV-Vis) characterizations.