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Dye Sensitized Solar cells (DSSCs) have emerged as green energy solution due to their low cost and easy processability. Four key components (working electrode, sensitizer, redox mediator and counter electrode) of these third generation solar cells makes its fabrication less complex and simple. However, some limitations associated with these astonished devices needed to be fixed that gave birth to the development and application of many new materials viz. graphene, nanomaterials, quantum dots, metal sulphides, natural sensitizers in DSSCs. This article provides a brief overview of DSSCs employing natural pigments as sensitizers, different types of materials as an electrode, and applications of graphene in natural DSSCs. The importance of solvents and dipping time has also discussed to improve the efficiency of DSSCs.

Nanostructured thin films of Cu2O–CuO with improved photocatalytic and catalytic activities were developed by RF magnetron sputtering. Thickness-dependent optical, structural, morphological, photocatalytic and catalytic performance of the Cu2O–CuO films were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), XRD, AFM, RBS, UV–Vis absorption, PL and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. FESEM analyses showed nanoparticles which increased in size from 7 to 13 nm with increase in sputter deposition time and were confirmed to be of Cu2O–CuO from Raman and XPS studies. Increase in thickness of Cu2O–CuO thin film from 7 to 50 nm led to increase in surface roughness, decrease in band gap and reduction in PL intensity. Cu2O–CuO thin films showed thickness-dependent enhanced photocatalytic and catalytic activities towards degradation of methylene blue, methyl orange and 4-nitrophenol from water. The enhanced light utilization capability, suppressed charge recombination and small crystallite size of the developed nanostructured Cu2O–CuO thin films are the key factors responsible for their enhanced photocatalytic and catalytic performance.

Polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on binary and ternary active layers were built using PBDB-T polymer as donor and two non-fullerene acceptors (MPU2 and MPU3) with different DPP cores and terminal units but different conjugation length. The studied binary PSCs showed PCE (power conversion efficiency) values of 8.22% (PBDB-T:MPU2) and 9.77% (PBDB-T:MPU3). The VOC measured using the MPU3-based acceptor was higher than that obtained using MPU2 – this difference is attributed to a higher LUMO energy level of MPU3. MPU2 and MPU3 present complementary absorptions in the wavelength range where PBDB-T exhibits a poor absorption, thus the combination of these materials offers great potential for the fabrication of ternary PSCs. The solar cell with an optimized ternary layer PBDB-T:MPU2:MPU3 (1:1:1) showed an PCE value of 10.78%, higher than those obtained for the binary devices due to the enhanced of JSC and FF values. And, since the emission of MPU3 partially overlaps with the absorption of MPU2, the transfer of energy from MPU3 to MPU2 can improve the exciton utilization efficiency and achieve enhanced overall power conversion efficiency in this ternary solar cell.

Synthesis of calcium hydroxide nanoparticles was done by chemical precipitation in aqueous medium at room temperature. Aqueous solution of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate (Ca(NO3)2·4H2O) and sodium hydroxide are used as precursor. The effect of rate of mixing of sodium hydroxide in calcium nitrate tetrahydrate was studied during the synthesis of calcium hydroxide. The prepared Ca(OH)2 powder was characterized by using UV–Vis spectroscopy, TGA and DTA, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). From the UV–Vis characterization, an increase in band gap from 4.3 eV to 5.8 eV with increase in mixing rate of sodium hydroxide in calcium nitrate tetrahydrate from 1 ml/min. to 5 ml/min was found respectively. The weight loss in TGA was also found to increase with increase in mixing rate. The change in weight loss and band gap with mixing rate was discussed in terms of growths during synthesis of calcium hydroxide.

C60/Ag/Au multilayer thin films are synthesized on glass substrate by thermal co-deposition method followed by ion irradiation by high energy ion beam of 120 MeV Au ions using Pelletron accelerator. The effect of ion irradiation by 120 MeV Au ions on the optical and structural properties of the synthesized multilayer thin film samples at different fluences ranging from 6 × 1012 to 3 × 1013 ion/cm2 is investigated. By UV–visible spectroscopy, optical studies of pristine and Au ion irradiated samples are examined. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) peaks of Au and Ag nanoparticles are obtained at wavelength ∼687 nm and ∼628 nm, respectively after irradiation at a fluence of 3 × 1013 ions/cm2. Atomic force microscopy was performed to analyze the surface morphology after irradiation. Due to ion irradiation, overall roughness estimated to be increased with increasing fluence. TEM revealed the growth of metal nanoparticles in size due to agglomeration after irradiation. I–V measurements are preformed to study the electrical properties after irradiation with 120 MeV Au ion.

Nanocomposite thin film containing Au nanoparticles in carbon matrix is developed using co-sputtering method in a high vacuum chamber (

Cu-C70 nanocomposite thin film is synthesized via thermal co-evaporation method. The atomic concentration of Cu in the thin film is found to be ~4.5 at.% using Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. Sequential thermal annealing is performed in an inert atmosphere (in presence of Ar) at various temperatures. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is spotted at ~585 nm for the sample annealed at 300 °C and the SPR peak is shifted towards ~621 nm for the sample annealed at 400 °C. In order to determine the modifications arising in the structure of fullerene C70 matrix due to annealing, Raman spectroscopy is used. At the highest temperature of 400 °C, the high-intensity Raman active modes of fullerene C70 can still be observed which shows that fullerene C70 is not completely transformed into amorphous carbon upto this temperature. Transmission electron microscopy is performed to determine the size of particles which is obtained ~35 nm for the sample annealed at 400 °C. The red shift in SPR wavelength at 400 °C is ascribed to the growth of Cu nanoparticles.

Low energy ion irradiation is an interesting tool to accomplish the bulk modifications of different materials. The impact of low energy ion bombardment is studied on Cu-C70 nanocomposite thin films prepared by thermal co-deposition technique. A beam of 180 keV Ar ions was used for this purpose which results in a drastic change in structural, optical and electrical properties. It is demonstrated that surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was successfully induced with ion irradiation initially at a fluence of 3 × 1014 ions cm−2 and is observed to be first red shifted and then blue shifted on increasing fluence of ion irradiation. The results of Raman spectroscopy reveal the progressive transformation of fullerene C70 into amorphous carbon with increasing fluence. The I(D)/I(G) ratio is calculated to analyze amorphous carbon and improved ordering of amorphous carbon at higher fluences is observed. TEM images verified the continuous growth of copper nanoparticles subjected to low energy ion irradiation with increasing fluence which is ascribed to the agglomeration of particles as pointed by EDS mapping images. FTIR results show that the destruction of fullerene C70 matrix is initiated at a fluence of 3 × 1014 ions cm−2, which coincides with the appearance of SPR band. The transformation of fullerene into amorphous carbon and the growth of copper nanoparticles was found to be responsible for increase in conductivity with fluences as confirmed by I-V measurements.

Nanocomposite of fullerene C70 embedded with Cu nanoparticles is synthesized using thermal co-deposition method. The temperature dependency of SPR and size of Cu nanoparticles are assessed by thermal annealing in inert atmosphere up to a temperature of 350 °C. Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy is performed to assess the thickness of the film and the atomic fraction of Cu metal. The UV-visible absorption spectra on as-deposited and annealed samples reveal that the SPR peak of Cu nanoparticles appears at 300 °C and its evolution with further rise in temperature takes place with a red shift and broadening of the peak at 350 °C. The thermal induced growth of Cu nanoparticles at higher temperature is responsible for the red shift. Raman spectra show the decrease in the intensity of vibrational modes of fullerene C70 with temperature due to breaking of bonds among carbon atoms in fullerene molecules. Transmission electron microscopy confirms the evolution of Cu nanoparticles with bi-modal distribution at 350 °C. Atomic force microscopy is performed to observe the variation in the morphology and roughness of nanocomposite film with temperature. The evolution of Cu nanoparticles and excitation of SPR with temperature makes it an interesting nanocomposite for SPR sensing applications.

A facile low temperature wet chemical synthesis of ZnO nanosheets with tunable thickness is reported. Well defined ZnO nanosheets were obtained by simply varying the zinc precursor (zinc acetate, zinc sulphate and zinc nitrate). The effects of counter ions on the morphological, optical, structural and photocatalytic behavior of the synthesized ZnO nanosheets were investigated. Atomic force microscopy studies revealed appreciable changes in the morphology and significant decrease in the thickness (from 23 nm to 9.5 nm) of ZnO nanosheets as the counter ions were changed from acetate to sulphate ions. Photoluminescence spectroscopy and optical absorption studies showed that the counter ions appreciably affect the optical properties of the prepared nanosheets. The intensity of UV emissions from ZnO nanosheets followed the order of counter ions: acetate sulphate > nitrate. The origins of the observed subtle changes in the thickness and the variations in the optical, morphological and photocatalytic behavior of ZnO nanosheets with variation in the counter ions are tentatively proposed.

Plasmonic nanocomposite thin film containing Cu metal nanoparticles in fullerene C60 matrix is developed by thermal co-evaporation method on glass substrate. In order to excite the surface plasmon resonance (SPR), thermal annealing is performed from 100 °C to 400 °C on as-deposited thin film in an inert atmosphere (continuous flow of Ar gas) for 30 min. SPR is successfully generated at ∼694 nm for the film annealed at a temperature of 300 °C which is further blue shifted at ∼684 nm at a temperature of 400 °C. The film thickness and Cu metal atomic concentration is found to be ∼70 nm and ∼27 at.%, respectively using Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy is used to identify the structural changes occurring in fullerene C60 matrix with thermal annealing. The transformation of fullerene C60 into amorphous carbon is observed with increasing temperature. Transmission electron microscopy is used to confirm the growth of Cu nanoparticles with increasing temperature and particle size is found to be 27.9 nm for the film annealed at 400 °C. The modifications in surface morphology of annealed samples are studied by field emission electron microscope (FE-SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). The absence of Copper oxide in the annealed samples is confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Current vs. voltage measurements are performed to quantify the increased conductivity of annealed samples.

The effect of 220 keV Ag ion beam irradiation on the optical and structural properties of thermally co-deposited Au-C60 nanocomposite thin films on a quartz substrate is investigated by irradiating samples at different doses. To determine the exact gold (Au) concentration in the film and thickness of the film, Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) was utilized on the as-deposited film. The Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) of Au nanoparticles embedded into the fullerene C60 matrix was seen at 721 nm in the as-deposited sample. A ∼34 nm redshift in SPR wavelength was obtained at a dose of 1 × 1014 ions/cm2 which was mainly due to the increase in the size of Au nanoparticles with irradiation. At higher doses, a blue shift of ~67 nm was obtained at a dose of 1 × 1016 ions/cm2 which was due to the transformation of fullerene C60 matrix into amorphous carbon with a much lower dielectric constant at higher doses. The progressive transformation of fullerene C60 into amorphous carbon with increasing doses was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The size of Au nanoparticles in the highest dose irradiated sample was found to be ∼3.9 nm by High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) bright-field measurements. The size modifications of nanoparticles and SPR wavelength tuning of these nanoparticles are very much needed to use them in organic solar cell.

In this work, surface patterning of Low density polyethylene (LDPE) polymeric films has been investigated utilizing 100 keV oblique argon ion irradiation. The wavy patterns start evolving at the lowest incident angle i.e., at 300, and then become prominent and periodic at higher incident angles i.e., at 400, & 500. Interestingly, the wavelength and amplitude of these patterns have been found to decline with an increase in the angle of incident argon ions. The roughness of surfaces exhibits a non-linear behavior with the angle of incidence. The observed morphological alterations have been further correlated with the disordering parameters computed from the deconvoluted Raman spectra. These patterned polymeric substrates are useful for substrate preparation for cell growth, bioengineering, surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensors, etc.

Controlled surface structuring of amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC) thin films as grown on silicon substrates Si(1 1 1) by Radio Frequency (RF) sputtering and irradiation of obliquely incident 80 keV Ar+ ion beam has been investigated. Sub-wavelength ripple patterns with wave-vector parallel to the ion beam projection are found to evolve on argon sputtered surfaces. Studies reveal that the temporal parameters such as ripple wavelength and amplitude, ordering and homogeneity of these patterns vary non-linearly with argon ion fluence. The formation of such surface structures is attributed to the preferential sputtering of silicon in comparison to carbon. Our results reveal that ion irradiation can be exploited to fabricate controlled surface nanostructures by optimizing the irradiation parameters.

In the present investigation, nanocrystalline thin films of NiTi are grown on Si substrate by dc-magnetron co-sputtering using Ni and Ti sputtering targets. These as- grown NiTi thin films are irradiated by 90 MeV Ni ions with fluences 1 × 1012, 3 × 1012, 9 × 1012 and 1 × 1013 ions/cm2, respectively. The elemental composition and depth profile of the pristine film are analyzed by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. Further, structural, surface morphology and mechanical properties of these films are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation techniques, respectively. X-ray diffraction result shows the presence of both austenite and martensite phases in the pristine film with the preferred growth of (110) orientation. The crystallite size is decreased with increase in the ion fluence as compared to pristine film. The AFM images confirm the variation in surface roughness values with the change in the incident ion fluence. The nanoindentation investigation has revealed the enhancement in the mechanical behavior of the NiTi films with ion fluences. The irradiated NiTi film at a fluence of 3 × 1012 ions/cm2 exhibits higher hardness, elastic modulus and depth recovery ratio and therefore better wear-resistance as compared to other films. This result of nanoindentation indicates the higher ductility of NiTi film in comparison of pristine film and their applicability for Micro-electromechanically system applications (MEMS).

We report the swift heavy ion irradiation induced tailoring of structural properties of nanocomposite thin films of copper nanoparticles embedded in fullerene matrix. Cu metal nanoparticles with low metal concentration (~ 5 at%) are deposited in fullerene C60 matrix. The thickness of the combined film is about 50 nm as revealed by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. The absorbance of copper nanoparticles did not exhibit any characteristic plasmon resonance owing to low concentration of metal. The analysis of results of Raman spectroscopy demonstrated the structural transformation of fullerene to amorphous carbon at high fluence of 120 MeV Au ion beam. The formation of structures such as carbon nanowires as a result of irradiation has been revealed by FESEM micrographs. TEM results confirm the formation of small size copper nanoparticles in pristine film and growth of the Cu particles under the effect of swift heavy ions irradiation. I-V characteristics of metal-fullerene nanocomposite thin films give a clear indication that the value of resistance decreases due to effects of increasing fluence of ion irradiation.

In this study, we analyzed changes in the phases of aluminum tris 8–hydroxyquinoline (Alq3) after thermal treatment at different temperatures and their photo–physical properties. We prepared α–Alq3 phosphor via the co–precipitation method. Improvements in the phase purity due to stagnation of the α–phase and the transformation from α to e–Alq3 were achieved by thermal treatment in an Ar atmosphere. The initial formation, stagnation, improvement in the phase purity, and conversion to e–Alq3 were confirmed by X–ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The XRD results were also validated by Fourier–transform infrared spectroscopy and Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectroscopy was conducted in the presence of acidic and basic media at concentrations of 10−6 M to 10−3 M, respectively. The modifications in the UV–Vis absorption spectra indicated changes in the band gap energy (Eg) after thermal treatment. The variations in Eg for α and e–Alq3 supported the stagnation and transformation of the phase. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis of the as–prepared α–Alq3 determined a λemi maximum at 516 nm. A minor blue shift of Δλ = 2 nm was observed as the PL intensity increased for the annealed α–Alq3. A large blue shift of Δλ = 18 nm as the PL intensity decreased was due to the change in phase from α to e–Alq3. PL study of the α and e–Alq3 phases in acidic solvent detected blue shifts, whereas red shifts occurred in the basic solvents due to variations in their dielectric constants. The mechanism related to the solvatochromatic effect on the shifts in PL emission was also determined in this study. Thermogravimetric analysis was employed to determine the thermal stability of the prepared phosphors.

Metal-matrix nanocomposites have a diverse range of applications by virtue of their improved properties. However, further improvements in the characteristics of the composites can be made if we are able to tune the properties of a single constituent of the composite. In the present work, Cu-C70 thin films were grown on glass substrate with thermal co-evaporation technique. In order to induce the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band, the nanocomposite thin films are irradiated with 120 keV N+ ion beam at the fluence ranging from 1 × 1014 to 3 × 1016 ions/cm2. The Rutherford backscattering is used to know the thickness and concentration of the components present in the nanocomposite thin film. TEM is used to show the increase in particle size of Cu nanoparticles with the increase in the irradiation fluence. The surface analysis shows a decrease in the roughness of the film upto a fluence of 3 × 1014 ions/cm2 and then the roughness increases with the increase in fluence. The UV–visible spectrum shows the formation of SPR band at ∼630 nm at the highest fluence of 3 × 1016 ions/cm2, which is ascribed to the increase in the size of the Cu nanoparticles. The FTIR spectrum shows various bonds of copper - fullerene nanocomposite in pristine film. Raman spectroscopic investigations show the transformation of fullerene C70 matrix of Cu-C70 thin film into amorphous carbon matrix at higher fluences. XPS is also performed to show the elemental state of composite material.

A prominent green emitting anhydrous (Znq2)4 tetramer phosphor has been produced by the sublimation in Ar–atmosphere from dihydrated Znq2. The dihydrated Znq2 was synthesized by the co–precipitation method under normal atmospheric condition. Structural changes which are responsible for change in their photo–physical properties have been confirmed by the XRD, FTIR, NMR analysis and relative stability by the TGA/DTA analysis. The dependence of UV–visible absorption spectrum, in different acidic and basic mediums at different concentrations on the alteration of phase from dihydrated Znq2 to anhydrous (Znq2)4 tetramer leading to the change in the band gap, has been noted. A photoluminescence spectrum of solid and of solution state and structural dependence on emission and excitation wavelength, revealing the modification in the structure, is responsible for a prominent green emission. Solvato–chromatic effect on PL emission leading to blue shift by the addition of acidic solvents and a red shift by basic solvents has also been reported. The structural formation and experimental band gap energy information has been supported by the quantum chemical calculations using DFT Computational study. We conclude from the study that the produced anhydrous (Znq2)4 tetramer phosphor has a potential application as a prominent green dopant in OLEDs including indoor lighting. Additionally, this study gives an insight into the spectroscopy of Zinc (II) quinolate complex.

In the present paper, we have successfully synthesized Ag ZnO nanocomposite thin films by RF-magnetron sputtering technique at room temperature. Systematic investigations of thermal-induced structural and optical modifications in Ag ZnO thin films have been observed and described. The Ag ZnO thin films were annealed at three different temperatures of 300 °C, 400 °C and 500 °C in vacuum to prevent the oxidation of Ag. The presence and formation of Ag nanoparticles were estimated by transmission electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the structural information about the crystalline quality of ZnO. The crystallinity as well as the crystallite size of the films have been found to be improved with annealing temperatures. The estimated crystallite size was ∼15.8 nm for as-deposited film and 19.0 nm for the film at a higher temperature. The chemical composition and structural analysis of as-deposited film were carried out by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A very sharp absorption band appeared at ∼540 nm for Ag NPs that is associated with the surface plasmon resonance band of Ag. A noticeable red shift of about ∼12 nm has been recorded for films annealed at 500 °C. Atomic force microscopy has been utilized to examine the surface morphology of the as-deposited and annealed films. The grain size was found to be increase with increasing annealing temperature, while no significant changes were observed in the roughness of Ag ZnO thin films. Raman spectroscopy revealed lattice defects and disordering in the films after the thermal annealing.

Metal matrix composites have a diverse range of applications. We have probed local structural modifications taking fullerene C70 as a model matrix material. In this study, thin films of fullerene C70 were grown on polished silicon and quartz substrates by resistive heating of fullerene C70. In order to understand local structural changes, these semi-crystalline films were irradiated with 120 keV N+ ions at different fluences ranging from 1 × 1013 to 3 × 1016 ions.cm−2. Microscopic analysis shows an increase in topological roughness up to a fluence of 1 × 1015 ions.cm−2 and then a decrease. The size of the particles decreases with increase in the fluence. Various spectroscopic analyses conducted on differently irradiated fullerene C70 films show that the bandgap decreases with the increase in the fluence which will increase the conductivity of the irradiated thin films. These results are proved by I-V measurements showing the decrease in the resistivity at higher fluences. Therefore, this characteristic trait makes fullerene C70 to be used as a prominent matrix component in the composites. Raman spectroscopic investigations reveal that C70 is completely transformed into amorphous carbon at a fluence of 3 × 1016 ions.cm−2. Different vibrational modes in FT-IR are also reported in the present work.

The spin-coated thin films of Poly(3-Hexylthiophene) (P3HT) on the glass and Si (double side polished) substrates have been irradiated with 55 MeV Si+4 swift heavy ions (SHI) at fluences in the range from 1 × 1010 to 1 × 1012 ions/cm2. Structural modifications produced by energetic ions are observed by characterization of pristine and irradiated P3HT thin films. Different techniques like high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HR-XRD), micro-Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to analyze the structural changes in the material. A significant increase in crystallinity and room temperature electrical conductivity of P3HT film has been detected on exposure to the heavy ions. The observed increase in the electrical conductivity with increased fluences is explained in the light of improved ordering of polymer chains after irradiation. Mott's variable range hopping model has been used to explain the conduction mechanism in the material in the temperature range of 230–350 K. The modification in surface properties also observed using AFM analysis and contact angle measurement. It is observed that nature of the P3HT thin films remains hydrophobic after irradiation.

Structural as well as optical modifications in zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film with Ag ion implantation were carried out in the present study. The pure ZnO thin films were synthesized by RF-magnetron sputtering technique at room temperature. 120 keV Ag ion beam was used for Ag ion implantation with different implantation dose from 3 × 1014 to 3 × 1016 ions/cm2 by negative ion implantation facility. The thickness and composition of pure ZnO and Ag implanted film at higher dose 3 × 1016 ions/cm2 were estimated by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. The change in surface stoichiometry was estimated by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with Ag ion implantation. The modifications in structural features with Ag ion implantation in ZnO films were observed by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD). The pure ZnO thin film was preferentially grown in c-axis direction with crystallite size ~10.6 nm confirmed by XRD. Surface morphology of the pure and Ag implanted ZnO thin films was estimated by atomic force microscopy and revealed the roughness and grain size were increased with increasing the implantation dose. The transmittance of the films was decreased drastically at higher implantation dose as corroborated by UV–visible spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy of the films was used to understand the lattice defects and disordering during Ag ion implantation. At the higher dose, the film was entirely oriented in c-axis confirmed by X-ray pattern, which can be beneficial for device fabrication.

The formation of silver (Ag) nanoparticles in a ZnO matrix were successfully synthesized by RF-magnetron sputtering at room temperature. As prepared Ag-ZnO nanocomposite (NCs) thin films were annealed in vacuum at three different temperatures of 300 °C, 400 °C and 500 °C, respectively. The structural modifications for as-deposited and annealed films were estimated by X-ray diffraction and TEM techniques. The crystalline behavior preferably along the c-axis of the hexagonal wurtzite structure was observed in as-deposited Ag-ZnO film and improved significantly with increasing the annealing temperature. The crystallite size of as-deposited film was measured to be 13.6 nm, and increases up to 28.5 nm at higher temperatures. The chemical composition and surface structure of the as-deposited films were estimated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The presence of Ag nanoparticles with average size of 8.2 ± 0.2 nm, was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The strong surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band was observed at the wavelength of ∼565 nm for as-deposited film and a remarkable red shift of ∼22 nm was recorded after the annealing treatment as confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopy confirmed the grain growth from 60.38 nm to 79.42 nm for as-deposited and higher temperature annealed film respectively, with no significant change in the surface roughness. Thermal induced modifications such as disordering and lattice defects in Ag-ZnO NCs thin films were carried out by Raman spectroscopy. High quality Ag-ZnO NCs thin films with minimum strain and tunable optical properties could be useful in various plasmonic applications.