Growth of ZnS thin films obtained by chemical spray pyrolysis: The influence of precursors

• Published in: Journal of crystal growth 2005-11, Vol.285 (1), p.66-75
• Main Authors: López, M.C., Espinos, J.P., Martín, F., Leinen, D., Ramos-Barrado, J.R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: A1. Growth models; A1. Surface processes; A1. Surface structure; Applied sciences; B2. Semiconducting materials; B3. Solar cells; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; Methods of crystal growth; physics of crystal growth; Natural energy; Optical properties and condensed-matter spectroscopy and other interactions of matter with particles and radiation; Photovoltaic conversion; Physics; Solar cells. Photoelectrochemical cells; Solar energy
• ISSN: 0022-0248; 1873-5002
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2005.07.050

Thin films of zinc sulphide (ZnS) were prepared by spray pyrolysis using two mixed aqueous solutions: (a) dehydrated zinc acetate (10 −2 M) and thiourea (4×10 −2 M) in bidistillated water; (b) zinc chloride (10 −2 M) and thiourea (4×10 −2 M) in bidistillated water. The structure, surface morphology, chemical composition and optical properties of these films were investigated as a function of initial (Zn:S) ratio in the solution, which varied between (1:1) and (1:6) for both solutions. This parameter was optimized in order to obtain films with a good stoichiometry, crystalline quality and high transmittance. It was found that films prepared from solution A, with a (Zn:S) ratio equal to (1:4) have the largest crystal size, smoothest surface, high optical transmittance and a (Zn/S) ratio in films equal to 0.91, as determined by XPS.