Influence of Deposition Time on Structural and Optical Properties of Chemically Deposited SnS Thin Films

ABSTRACT

Using chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique SnS thin films have been deposited at room temperature with different deposition times. The deposited films have been investigated through X- ray diffraction measurements to determine structural properties. The deposited SnS films found amorphous and polycrystalline with an orthorhombic herzenbergite structure. The grain size found to increase with deposition time. The surface morphology of the films has been examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chemical compositions of the films have been determined using energy dispersive analysis of x-rays (EDAX). The optical absorption spectra of the films in the wavelength range of 200-1200 nm have been investigated to determine the optical band gap and types of transitions involved in the absorption process. The direct allowed transitions found to be dominant and the corresponding band gap found to decrease with increase in deposition time. In order to evaluate the electrical parameters, thermoelectric power measurements have been performed. The films exhibited p-type electrical conductivity. A systematic study on the influence of deposition time on the properties of SnS thin films deposited by CBD at room temperature has been reported.

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