Zinc-doped CdS nanoparticles synthesized by microwave-assisted deposition

Abstract

Cd1−xZnxS nanoparticles were grown on pre-cleaned glass substrates using microwave-assisted chemical bath deposition technique. Nanoparticles obtained by this method were smooth, uniform, good adherent, brownish yellow in color where the brightness of the yellow color nature decreases with increasing Zn2+ content. The elemental composition analysis confirmed that the nanoparticles comprise of Cd2+, Zn2+ and S2−. Scanning electron microscope images confirmed the surface uniformity of the Cd1−xZnxS nanoparticles devoid of any void, pinhole or cracks and covered the substrate well. The particle size also decreases with increasing Zn ion content. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicates the hexagonal structure (002) without phase transition. The grain size decreases from 36.45 to 9.60 nm, dislocation density increases from 0.000745 to 0.01085 Line2/m2 and lattice parameter decreased from 6.868 to 6.155 nm with increasing Zn2+ content. The best transmittance of about 95% was achieved for x = 1.0. The nanoparticles showed reduction in the absorbance as Zn ion content increased. Four point probe revealed that the electrical resistivity increased from 1.51 × 1010 to while electrical conductivity decreases from 6.62 × 10−11 to with increasing Zn2+ content. The other electrical properties such as sheet resistance increased from 1.52 × 108 to , charge carrier mobility decreased from 0.777 to 0.0105 cm2/(V s) and charge carrier density increased from 1.06 × 1012 to 3.95 × 1012 cm−3.