Pulsed electrodeposition of oxygen-free tin monosulfide thin films using lactic acid/sodium lactate buffered electrolytes

In this study tin monosulfide (SnS) thin films have been prepared on indium-tin-oxide-covered glass substrates from an acidic electrolyte containing a pH buffer of lactic acid/sodium lactate using pulsed electrodeposition method Results from Auger electron spectroscopy confirmed that nearly oxygen-free and stoichiometric SnS thin films were attained X-ray diffraction and scanning electron micrograph studies indicated the formation of a smooth alpha-SnS thin film with the orthorhombic structure Moreover optical transmission spectroscopy showed a direct optical band gap of 1 39 eV and the photoelectrochemical measurements revealed the p-type conductivity (c) 2010 Elsevier B V All rights reserved