Preparation of Bi2S3 thin films with a nanoleaf structure by electrodeposition method

Nanoleaf-like Bi2S3 thin films were deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO) glass using Bi(NO3)3 and Na2S2O3 as precursors by a cathodic electrodeposition process. The as-deposited thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and photoluminescence spectrum (PL). The influence of precursor solution mole concentration ratios [Bi(NO3)3]/[Na2S2O3] on the phase compositions, morphologies and photoluminescence properties of the obtained thin films were investigated. Results show that a uniform Bi2S3 thin film with nanoleaf structure can be obtained with the precursor solution concentration ratio [Bi(NO3)3]/[Na2S2O3] = 1:7. The as-prepared thin films exhibit blue-green photoluminescence properties under ultraviolet light excitation. With the increase of concentration ratios [Bi(NO3)3]/[Na2S2O3] in the deposition solution, the crystallizations and PL properties of Bi2S3 thin films are obviously improved.