TG–DTA analysis, structural, optical and magnetic properties of PbS thin films doped with Co2+ ions

Abstract

Cobalt-doped PbS (PbS:Co) thin films were grown on glass substrates via a cost effective spray technique using perfume atomizer. The effect of Co doping concentration on the thermal behavior, structural, optical and magnetic properties of PbS thin films was investigated and the results are reported in this paper. TG–DTA studies confirm that the thermal behavior of pure PbS is strongly influenced with Co doping. X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that both the undoped and doped PbS thin films exhibit face-centered cubic crystal structure with a strong (2 0 0) preferential growth texture. The increase of Co doping concentration tends to increase the band gap of pure PbS from 2.24 to 2.46 eV which may be attributed to quantum confinement effect. Undoped PbS thin film exhibit paramagnetic behavior at room temperature which becomes ferromagnetic with Co doping. From the results obtained it is observed that the PbS thin films doped with 3 wt% Co concentration exhibit better magnetic properties.