Effect of deposition time on optical and luminescence properties of ZnS thin films prepared by photo assisted chemical deposition technique

Photo assisted chemical deposition method (PCD) is a new procedure for the deposition of compound semiconducting materials which is less explored. In this method the deposition is carried out with the irradiation of UV light on the reaction bath. PCD scores advantages for its low cost, use of flexible substrates and capability of large area deposition compared to other chemical methods like chemical bath deposition (CBD), electro chemical deposition (ECD), etc. Zinc sulfide films have been deposited on glass substrate by aqueous alkaline solution comprised of zinc nitrate, hydrazine hydrate, ammonium nitrate, ammonia and thiourea. The samples were prepared under UV illumination for different durations and characterized. The thickness of the samples increases with the deposition time. XRD patterns revealed the crystalline nature of samples with more number of dips. Optical study showed a low absorbance and constant transparency throughout the visible region disclosing the stiochiometric nature of the film. Obtained band gap energies were in good agreement with the theoretical value. Photoluminescence spectra showed two blue emission bands around 450 and 470 nm, and the intensity was found to depend on the thickness of the films. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.