Electrosynthesis of nanoflower like-ZnS thin films and its characterizations

Abstract

The thin films of ZnS have been electrodeposited onto stainless steel and ITO coated glass substrate. The films were prepared in aqueous bath, using ZnSO4 and Na2S2O3 as a precursor. The PH of bath maintained throughout the experiment is ~14. The preparative conditions are optimized to get ZnS thin films. The prepared films were further characterized for the structural, morphological and optical properties by X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-Raman, fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), optical absorption spectroscopy, surface wettability studies, respectively. The XRD study shows the formation of ZnS phase with polycrystalline in nature. The nanoflower like morphology is observed for ZnS thin film with thickness 63 nm. FT-IR spectrum of ZnS thin film, were used to investigate the presence of organic compounds, as impurities in the ZnS films. FT-Raman shows the crystal quality and vibration properties of ZnS thin films.The water contact angle measurement shows that the ZnS thin film is hydrophilic in nature. Moreover, the optical study revealed the band gap of 3.13 eV.