Detailed characterization of good-quality SnS thin films obtained by chemical solution deposition at different reaction temperatures. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cabrera-German, D.; García-Valenzuela, J.A.; Cota-Leal, M.; Martínez-Gil, M.; Aceves, R.; Sotelo-Lerma, M.
• Is Part Of: Materials science in semiconductor processing. Volume 89(2019)
• Page Start: 131
• Page End: 142
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Tin sulfide -- Chemical bath deposition -- Quantitative XPS -- Thin films -- Rietveld refinement -- Deposition temperature; Semiconductors -- Periodicals; Integrated circuits -- Materials -- Periodicals; Semiconducteurs -- Périodiques; Circuits intégrés -- Matériaux -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 621.38152
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mssp.2018.09.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-8001

Abstract

Abstract: A process for the chemical deposition of good-quality SnS thin films is presented. This process consists of a careful substrate sensitization; the placement of the substrate in a particular angle in the reaction solution; and the use of an aqueous reaction solution composed of stannous chloride, ethanol, triethanolamine, thioacetamide, and ammonium hydroxide. This process enables the deposition of good-quality SnS thin films that are homogenous and strongly adhered to the substrate, even at a temperature of 70 °C. The effect of reaction temperature (40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, and 70 °C) on the properties of the SnS thin films was studied by means of X-ray diffraction (including a Rietveld analysis), scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, optical spectroscopy, and current photo-response. Rietveld analysis shows the presence of two tin sulfide orthorhombic phases ( α -SnS and β -SnS) and a platelet-like microstructure with less than 20% of the total volume oriented in the (111) plane. Surface morphology confirms that grains have platey-like habits. It is found that with increasing reaction temperature the thin films increase in thickness, become more crystalline, and the conductivity photo-response improves, making the prepared SnS thin films suitable for optoelectronic applications.