Growth and characterization of chemical bath deposited Cd1−xZnxS thin films

Cd1−xZnxS (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) thin films have been deposited by chemical bath deposition method on glass substrates from aqueous solution containing cadmium acetate, zinc acetate and thiourea at 80 ± 5 °C and after annealed at 350 °C. The structural, morphological, compositional and optical properties of the deposited Cd1−xZnxS thin films have been studied by X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), photoluminescence (PL) and UV–vis spectrophotometer, respectively. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that for x < 0.8, the crystal structure of Cd1−xZnxS thin films was hexagonal structure. For x > 0.6, however, the Cd1−xZnxS films were grown with cubic structure. Annealing the samples at 350 °C in air for 45 min resulted in increase in intensity as well as a shift towards lower scattering angles. The parameters such as crystallite size, strain, dislocation density and texture coefficient are calculated from X-ray diffraction studies. SEM studies reveal the formation of Cd1−xZnxS films with uniformly distributed grains over the entire surface of the substrate. The EDX analysis shows the content of atomic percentage. Optical method was used to determine the band gap of the films. The photoluminescence spectra of films have been studied and the results are discussed.

► In this study we examine the Cd1-xZnxS thin films prepared at Chemical bath deposition method. This method used because it is a simple and economic and viable technique, which produces films of good quality for device application. ► In this study we conclude that chemical bath deposition technique is suitable for the preparation of smooth and uniform films suitable for sensors and solar cells ► X-ray is a good way for crystal structure characterization ►