Preparation of SnS films using solid sources deposited by the PECVD method with controllable film characters

► SnS films were deposited from SnCl2·2H2O and Na2S2O3·5H2O by the PECVD technique. ► The plate-like morphology can be deposited by decreasing deposition temperature. ► The morphologies show mixed morphological features in accordance with XRD results. ► The change in substrate temperature has effect on properties of the SnS films. ► The absorption coefficient α is larger than 104 cm−1 in the range of 0.5-4 eV.