Optimization of S:Sn precursor molar concentration on the physical properties of spray deposited single phase Sn₂S₃ thin films

Nanoneedle structured Sn₂S₃ thin films were prepared by spray pyrolysis technique from aqueous solutions of tin (II) chloride and thiourea, keeping the molar concentrations of S:Sn = 0.01:0.01, 0.02:0.02, 0.03:0.03 and 0.04:0.04 in the starting solutions. XRD studies reveal that all the films exhibit orthorhombic crystal structure with a preferential orientation along the [2 1 1] direction. The peak intensity of the (2 1 1) plane is found to be maximum for the film coated with 0.02:0.02 S:Sn molar concentration which confirms the improved crystalline nature of this film. SEM images depict that the film coated with S:Sn molar concentration 0.02:0.02 exhibit needle shaped grains. The optical band gap exhibits red shift from 2.12 eV to 2.02 eV with an increase in S:Sn precursor molar concentration. Electrical studies show that the films having S:Sn molar concentrations 0.01:0.01 and 0.02:0.02 exhibit minimum resistivity values of 0.238 and 0.359Ω ·cm, respectively.

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