Structural, morphological and optical properties of spray-formed silver-doped zinc sulphide thin films

• Published in: Optik (Stuttgart) Vol. 185; pp. 519 - 528
• Main Authors: Offor, P.O., Whyte, G.M., Ezekoye, V.A., Omah, A.D., Ude, S.N., Ocheri, C., Ezukwoke, N., Ezema, I.C., Madiba, I.G., Okorie, B.A., Maaza, Malik, Ezema, Fabian I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier GmbH 01-05-2019
• Subjects: Raman spectrometry; Silver; Thin film; Zinc sulphide; Silver; Zinc sulphide; Raman spectrometry; Thin film
• ISSN: 0030-4026; 1618-1336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijleo.2019.03.063

•Crystallite size ranges between 3.107 and 4.103 nm.•The energy gap is within a range of 3.11 and 3.60 eV.•Photoluminescence shows the presence of Sulphur vacancies.
The study focused on the qualities of spray-formed Silver-doped Zinc sulphide (ZnS) thin films sprayed on soda-lime glass (slg) substrate. Silver-doped and undoped ZnS thin films with 0%, 1%, 3% and 5% Silver concentrations were deposited. The qualities of the synthesized films were investigated using x-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, UV-VIS spectrophotometry, Raman spectrometry and contact angle techniques. The x-ray diffraction data identified cubic structures forthin films. Scanning electron microscopy shows the presence of agglomerates of nanoparticles and pores in the thin films. The thin films’ crystallite size ranges between 3.107 and 4.103 nm. FTIR revealed the chemical bonds in the film. The transmittance of the thin films is between 42.35 and 81.86% at 550 nm, the energy gap is observed within a range of 3.11 and 3.60 eV while the indices of refraction are in the range of 1.52–3.81 at 550 nm wavelength. Photoluminescence result shows Sulphur vacancies. A hydrophilic surface feature of the film was revealed by the contact angle measurement.