Synthesis and characterisation of tin sulphide thin films

Abstract

Stannous sulphide (SnS) thin films have been synthesised using two different solutions. The solutions were prepared by the dilution of SnCl₂ and thiourea in distilled water and methanol separately. The effects of solvents and deposition time on the properties of the prepared thin films are investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the variation of the solvent and the deposition durations alters the structure of the prepared films. The films analysis by scanning electron microscope showed that the SnS films prepared with methanol are more dense and smooth than the SnS films prepared with distilled water. The resistivity depends on the used solvent and their growth duration. The elemental composition of the films deposited during 30 min with methanol indicate that SnS is quasi-stoichiometric, while those prepared with distilled water are slightly Sn rich. We have also found that the films deposited with distilled water are n-type, whereas those prepared with methanol are p-type.

Keywords:

• Semiconductors
• thin films
• spray pyrolysis
• solvent effect
• deposition time effect

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.