Single step electrochemical synthesis of [Sb.sub.2][Se.sub.3] thin films: effect of molarities of precursor solution

• Published in: Journal of materials science 2011-04, Vol.46 (8), p.2789
• Main Authors: Kulal, P.M, Dubal, D.P, Fulari, V.J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemical properties; Crystals; Dielectric films; Diffraction; Structure; Thin films; X-rays
• ISSN: 0022-2461; 1573-4803

In the present investigation, we have successfully synthesized polycrystalline [Sb.sub.2][Se.sub.3] thin films by single-step electrochemical method. Effect of concentration of precursor solution on structural, morphological, optical, and wettability properties by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical absorption, and contact angle measurement have been investigated. It is evident from XRD pattern that [Sb.sub.2][Se.sub.3] thin films are polycrystalline having orthorhombic crystal structure. Also, as precursor concentration increases the diffraction peak intensity also increases. Scanning electron micrographs reveal that the increase in precursor concentration causes the formation of soap foam like microstructure which is spread in the form of ellipsoids over whole substrate surface. The optical band gap decreases from 1.49 to 1.35 eV and contact angle decreases from 40° to 13°, i.e., the surface of [Sb.sub.2][Se.sub.3] thin films converts from hydrophilic to superhydrophilic nature due to increase in precursor concentration. In addition, the holographic interferometric properties have been studied. The thickness, stress to substrate and deposited mass of the thin films is determined using double exposure holographic interferometry (DEHI) technique.