Thin film bismuth(III) sulfide/zinc sulfide composites deposited by spray pyrolysis

Abstract

(Bi2S3)(x)(ZnS)(1-x) composites in thin films were successfully grown on glass substrates by the spray pyrolysis technique. The films growth were prepared by the reaction of aqueous solutions of bismuth(III) chloride (BiCl3) and zinc chloride (ZnCl) with Thiourea on substrates heated to a temperature of 280 °C. The structural properties have been identified using X-ray diffraction spectra. The deposited films are of polycrystalline natures. The both of the two phases mixed (Bi2S3 and ZnS) were well observed in the X-ray diffraction plots. The optical properties were also studied using transmittance and reflectance measurements in the wavelength range (200–2500 nm). Optical gaps were evaluated; we are found that (Bi2S3)(x)(ZnS)(1-x) (x = 0–1) composites in thin films are characterized by two optical gaps limited between the gap of Bi2S3 and that of ZnS films in the pure phase. Keywords: Thin films, (Bi2S3)(x)(ZnS)(1-x), Composite materials, Structural and optical properties