Self-assembled monolayers induced inter-conversion of crystal structure by vertical to lateral growth of aluminium doped zinc oxide thin films.

In this communication, we demonstrate the inter-conversion of crystal structure of aluminium doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films from highly (002) plane oriented vertical growth to (103) plane oriented lateral growth by adjusting the polarity of the self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on glass substrates at room temperature.