Study of the electrodeposition of In2S3 thin films

The electrochemical deposition of In2S3 thin films is carried out from an aqueous solution of In2(SO4)3 and Na2SO3. Depositions of the elemental components, In and S, and of the compound are studied with the electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM). The same technique is also used to optimized the experimental conditions, like potential cycling, solution composition, pH and temperature. In2S3 films with good adherence and uniformity are obtained by cycling the potential in the range for cathodic deposition of In and S. A secondary In2O3 phase is detected in thin films, arising from reduction of residual oxygen in solution and/or by an electrochemically induced precipitation reaction.