Tin sulfide films by spray pyrolysis technique using L‐cysteine as a novel sulfur source. Issue 1 (29th October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Polivtseva, Svetlana; Acik, Ilona Oja; Katerski, Atanas; Mere, Arvo; Mikli, Valdek; Krunks, Malle
• Is Part Of: Physica status solidi. Volume 13:Issue 1(2016:Jan.)
• Page Start: 18
• Page End: 23
• Publication Date: 2015-10-29
• Subjects: SnS thin films -- chemical spray pyrolysis -- XRD -- optical properties; Solid state physics -- Congresses; Solid state physics -- Periodicals; Solid state physics; Conference proceedings; Periodicals; 530.41
• DOI: 10.1002/pssc.201510098
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1862-6351

Abstract

Abstract: Tin sulfide films were deposited by spray pyrolysis method using aqueous solutions containing tin chloride (SnCl2 ) and L‐cysteine (HO2 CCH(NH2 )CH2 SH) as a novel source of sulfur instead of commonly used thiourea. L‐cysteine prevents SnCl2 from hydrolysis due to a complex formation as confirmed by Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy studies. The solution that contained SnCl2 (Sn) and L‐cysteine (S) at molar ratios of Sn:S=1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 was sprayed onto glass substrates at varied temperatures between 200 °C and 370 °C. Films were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. Accord‐ ing to XRD, spray of the 1:1 solution results in films that are composed of SnS as a main crystalline phase. An unidentified crystalline phase was present independent of the growth temperature. Single phase SnS films with bandgap value of 1.7 eV could be grown using the 1:2 solution at deposition temperature of 370 °C. Films grown from 1:4 solutions are amorphous using deposition temperatures below 370 °C, and composed of a mixture of SnS and Sn2 S3 phases when grown at 370 °C. EDX study shows that SnS films contain high amount of carbon and oxygen containing residues independent of the deposition temperature and precursors' molar ratio in the spray solution. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)