Quaternary Co1−x−yZnxCdyS thin films: A facile synthesis approach and its aptness for the applications in micro-devices

•Zn, Cd(CoS) quaternary thin films were deposited via facile chemical route.•As-obtained quaternary thin films show fuzzy microstructure.•Co1−x−yZnxCdyS thin films were S2− deficient in nature.

The synthesis of multicomponent semiconducting thin films has become the subject of intensive research. The development of deposition-characterization techniques and property correlation and understanding of these materials are critical for the successful implementation of a whole new generation of advanced micro-devices. A wide range of discussion made in this article include facile chemical synthesis of Zn, Cd(CoS) thin films and characterization pertaining to the studies on compositional, morphological, optical and electrical transport aspects. The overall discussion involved herein will be useful to establish further engrossment of the researchers in the mentioned quaternary system.