Vol. 12 No. 1 (2013): Mapana Journal of Sciences
Research Articles

Study of Structural and Optical Properties of ZnS:Ni Thin Films Prepared by Dip Coating Method

  • C Gunasekaran,
  • V Senthilkumar,
  • P Kokila,
  • S Uma,
  • S Banumathi
C Gunasekaran
Department of Physics, Karpagam University, Coimbatore-641 021
V Senthilkumar
Department of Physics, Karpagam University, Coimbatore-641 021
P Kokila
Department of Physics, Karpagam University, Coimbatore-641 021
S Uma
Postgraduate and Research Department of Physics, Govt Arts College (Autonomous), Karur-639005
S Banumathi
Postgraduate and Research Department of Physics, Govt Arts College (Autonomous), Karur-639005
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12723/mjs.24.3

Published 2013-01-15

Keywords

  • ZnS thin films,
  • semiconductor photo catalysis,
  • photo electrodes,
  • and reductive activity

Abstract

Adherent and uniform films of ZnS and ZnS:Ni were deposited reproducibly by Dip coating method onto a glass substrate, under acidic conditions from solutions containing Zinc Nitrate, Nickel Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate, Sodium citrate, thiourea and distilled water. The growth of ZnS thin films on glass substrates have been thoroughly investigated by SEM, EDAX and X- ray diffraction techniques. The grain sizes (D) of crystallites were estimated using the Scherrer’s formula. Depending on selection of precursors and presence of dopant, ZnS and ZnS films can be of Sphalenite or wurtzite structure. The effect of the dopant on the crystallinity and surface morphology of ZnS thin films have been studied. The surface morphology, which has been evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), shows a relatively flat and uniform surface.

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