Optimization of deposition time on structural, morphological, and optical properties of Cd1-xZnxS nanocrystalline thin films

In this work, Cd 1-x Zn x S nanocrystalline thin films have been synthesized over a glass substrate by a simple and cost-effective Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) technique at various deposition time keeping other deposition parameters constant. The structural, morphological, and optical properties are studied by incorporating a range of characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopes (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-rays (EDX), and UV–Visible spectrophotometers (UV–Vis). The films have been deposited at five different deposition time in the range from 30 mins to 150 mins to record the changes which address in depth the structural, morphological and optical properties. Empirical fitting equations have also been developed to obtain a more quantitative analysis of the effect of deposition time. The results obtained in this work are compared with some recent reported works for performance analysis of the buffer layer . The proposed buffer layer deposited at 30 mins not only attains all the desirable qualities required for maximum extraction of solar energy but also a low-cost and environment friendly option, making it a potential candidate for solar cell and optoelectronic applications. • The Cd 1-x Zn x S thin films has been synthesized by using Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) method. • XRD analysis reveals the nanocrystalline nature and hexagonal phase structure of deposited films. • FESEM images display smooth, crack free and dense morphology of deposited films. • The deposited films shows wide and tunable band gap from 2.4 to 2.8 eV. • A simple and controllable method has been introduced with adjustable crystallite size, thickness and band gap.