The electrodeposition of thin film zinc sulphide from thiosulphate solution

We have investigated the physical properties of thin film zinc sulphide electrodeposited from aqueous thiosulphate solution. The as-deposited films are nearly stoichiometric in composition and have a 〈200〉 texture when deposited on transparent indium tin oxide coated glass substrates. Scanning electron micrographs indicate some discontinuity in surface coverage of as-deposited films. After annealing to 973 K in nitrogen the absorption characteristics and bandgap agree well with single crystal and evaporated thin film data. Annealing thicker films results in coalescence of the zinc sulphide into small islands on the surface.