The influence of pH on the properties of chemical bath deposited nickel sulfide films

Nickel sulfide thin films have been prepared on a microscope glass substrate through the chemical bath deposition technique. In this study, nickel sulfate and sodium thiosulfate were utilized to supply nickel ions and sulfide ions, respectively. The surface characteristics of the prepared films were studied with atomic force microscopy. For the first time, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy are used to investigate structural information, electronic states and the chemistry of material surfaces. The films produced at pH 4 and pH 5 (acidic environment) are smooth and devoid of cracks, displaying consistent morphology and uniform surface as indicated by atomic force microscopy findings. These properties might improve the efficiency of solar cells when compared to samples made with different pH values. KEY WORDS: Photovoltaic, Renewable energy, Energy efficiency, Thin films, Nickel sulfide Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2025, 39(6), 1043-1055. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v39i6.2